It seems crazy to talk of "last chance saloon" so early in a Heineken Cup season, but, if that is exactly where Leicester Tigers are following their last-minute home defeat to Munster last week.

And now they face the tough task of taking on a confident Cardiff Blues team fresh from an historic first away win in France in Round 1.

The Blues have the momentum, a squad packed with quality, and a determination to do well that could see them make the quarter-finals for the first time since 2001.

Xavier Rush replaces Ben White on the bench for the Blues in the only change to the team. Robert Sidoli, Tom Shanklin and Ben Blair have recovered from minor bumps and bruises for the match that will be played in front of at least 20,000 supporters.

England half-backs Harry Ellis and Andy Goode return to the starting line-up for Leicester Tigers. Both came off the bench to play during the second half of last week's match against defending European champions Munster and have now been promoted to the starting XV.

Geordan Murphy has recovered from an eye injury to reclaim his place, while Julian White is at tighthead prop, with Martin Castrogiovanni moving across to loosehead. James Hamilton, who joins up with the Scotland squad for the first time next week, is in the second row alongside Ben Kay after injury to Leo Cullen.

"With Harry, Andy and Julian, I am rewarding their efforts in the second half of last week's game, though you also have to acknowledge the guys who put in such a lot of hard work in the first half," said Tigers head coach Pat Howard.

"Leo Cullen was touch and go whether he played against Munster - he has been carrying a few knocks - but he battled on and played very well. We have four second rows who are very, very close and they are all performing well, so I have no worries in bringing Jim in this time.

"It was a tough call on leaving out Johne Murphy because he has done well, but Geordan had done nothing wrong before he was injured in the run-up to last weekend."

Brett Deacon replaces Jordan Crane on the bench as the only other change to last weekend's matchday 22.

The match has caught the imagination of Cardiff Blues supporters who have already purchased over 17,000 tickets for the game. Supporters without tickets are encouraged to purchase tickets beforehand or to buy them early on Sunday.