POWERGEN CUP Powergen Cup 2005/6 Eddie Butler's Cup preview

There have also been fears that England will not take the cross-border Cup seriously, but Jenkins insists that the tournament has a key role to play.

"The competition should not be one of huge expectation about putting out your best team," Jenkins told BBC Sport.

"There has to be a mixture of winning against developing talent and exposing them to a standard they'll learn from."

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Cardiff Blues chief executive Robert Norster also suggested that his side's fringe players could be given a chance.

"We have a 36-man squad for the Heineken Cup and everyone will be given a chance to stake a claim beforehand through the Celtic League and Powergen Cup," said Norster.

POWERGEN CUP PREVIEWS Dragons v Leicester Gloucester v Ospreys Blues v Saracens Leeds v Scarlets

"But we'll be giving the Powergen our all, like all the sides in it, and we can't wait to renew the old rivalries with England."

BBC Sport Wales understands that Bristol will make up to 12 changes to their side to face Bath as they target survival in the Guinness Premiership.

But Saracens say changes will be kept to a minimum for their tie with the Blues at the Arms Park.

Leicester prop Darren Morris, Gloucester flanker Adam Balding and Leeds back-row man Nathan Thomas all insist that their teams will give the competition - which offers Heineken Cup qualification to English winners - the utmost respect.

This adds something different to our rigid environment Gareth Jenkins

And, despite his comments about development, Jenkins says that the tournament is one to excite the fans.

"I was born and bred on Anglo-Welsh clashes and some of the games were infamous," said Jenkins.

"This adds something different to our rigid environment. The Celtic League is growing and I'm impressed with it, but development is about new experiences.

"We have a squad of 36 players to reflect the demands of the fixture list, and those people need opportunities.

"But there won't be any complacency in selection, we'll be desperate to win every game."