Wales international duo Stephen Jones and Matthew Rees have been left out and will be joined on the bench by fellow big name Regan King.

However Davies is adamant that despite the need to bounce back from last week’s disappointing display he always planned to rotate his squad this year.

“I am pleased with the strength of the squad although we have picked up a couple of injuries,” said Davies.

“I have said from day one, particularly in the domestic league, you are going to rely on the strength of your squad.

“You can’t keep going back to the same players because it does not work that way.

“But we have done this in the knowledge we have a healthy squad and people competing for places. All our internationals have all been available for this week’s game.

“Stephen and Matthew have played a lot of rugby.”

Saturday sees basement boys Newport-Gwent Dragons and Aironi going head to head with the Italian outfit looking for their first win while fellow strugglers Glasgow take on Ospreys on Sunday.