Cardiff's Taine Basham hopes to mark his recall to the Wales squad by willingly running into the "brick walls" provided by South African opponents Sharks on Friday (19:45).

The back row forward is relishing what lies ahead at the Arms Park in the United Rugby Championship (URC) after Wales coach Steve Tandy rewarded his strong recent form with inclusion in his autumn squad.

"I feel like I prefer playing against South African teams, they want to bang you. It's a bit different to say a Scottish team or an Irish team because they're more connected as [defence]," said Basham.

"But these guys just want to absolutely end you and you can either use footwork or use a pace and or just run into brick walls, which I don't mind doing, but I would rather use my footwork as well."

While Basham is relishing the physical challenge, he also points to another area in which the game could spark into life.

"It's two teams that like to play off kicks as well, scraps, and we just see how we get on because we've both got an electric back three as well that can create something out of nothing, so it should be exciting," he added.

Cardiff make 11 changes from their 28-12 Champions Cup defeat by Northampton Saints.

An all-new pack includes captain Liam Belcher in the front-row between Scott Sio and Javan Sebastian.

Josh McNally and Teddy Williams renew their partnership in the second-row, with Alex Mann, James Botham and Taine Basham the loose-forward trio.

Wales wing Josh Adams gets his first start of the season having returned from injury as a replacement at Franklin's Gardens.

Full-back Cam Winnett is also back from injury, while centre Le Roux Malan returns to the line-up against his former side.

Despite losing to Saints, Cardiff are buoyed by a decent showing against the English champions.

"The scoreline sort of flattered Northampton, to be honest with you," said Basham.

"But at home on a Friday night against Sharks, you know it's going to be physical.

"Hopefully, the big dogs come down and have a good, a good dance out there on Friday night."

Cardiff, who are undefeated at the Arms Park since December, also have tight-head Keiron Assiratti on the bench and set for his first appearance of the season after injury.

Line-ups

Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Danny Southworth, Keiron Assiratti, Tom Manz, Semisi Paea, Aled Davies, Callum Sheedy, Tom Bowen

Sharks: TBC

Replacements: TBC