In-form Gareth Thomas
Blues face serious challenge Vs Leicester
In-form Gareth Thomas
By Andrew Collins
November 3 2007
Cardiff Blues face a huge challenge this afternoon, as Dai Young and his Cardiff Blues squad head to English giants, Leicester needing to pick up some sort of points or face elimination from the EDF Cup.
In-form Gareth Thomas
November 3 2007
Cardiff Blues face a huge challenge this afternoon, as Dai Young and his Cardiff Blues squad head to English giants, Leicester needing to pick up some sort of points or face elimination from the EDF Cup.
Last year, the Blues went down heavily at Welford Road, I was at the match to watch the forwards and midefield get enilated by a much bigger and more physical side from 1 to 15.
But it really is a very different side that goes there this year. In the 34-0 loss last year, Cardiff had a midfield partnership of Marc Stcherbina and Jamie Robinson, a great partnership for attacking rugby, but who were both battered by a their opposite numbers. This year, the shoe could well be on the other foot, as the Tigers have to deal with Tom Shanklin and Gareth Thomas.
And in the forwards, Dai Young was also under strength, as inexperienced forwards Duane Goodfield, Ben White and Rhys Shellard had to contend with the likes of George Chuter, Lewis Moody and Martin Corry.
And on top of that, Cardiff go into the match in rich form, having lost just 1 match all season, unbeaten on the road to date, Leicester on the other hand lost out at Bath last week.
Having said all of that, no Welsh side has won there since 2002, and going there is always hell for any team as Leicester know how to grind their opponents down and starve them of ball.
I don't think you'll find many optimistic Blues fans today, but if we can show some sort of pride, and show that we've come a long way over the last year, I think people would settle for that.
What we don't want is another embarrassing drumming, and particularly not a nilling!
The match is being shown live on BBC 1 nationwide at 2.20, with a 2.30 kick off.
Cardiff Blues:
Ben Blair; Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas, Tom James; Nicky Robinson, Richie Rees; John Yapp, Gareth Williams, Taufa'ao Filise, Bradley Davies, Paul Tito, Maama Molitika, Martyn Williams, Xavier Rush (capt).
Gary Powell, T Rhys Thomas, Robert Sidoli, Scott Morgan, Jason Spice, Dai Flanagan, Rhys Williams.
The Players will be remembering Ray Gravell today by wearing Scarlet arm bands. Ray will be sorely missed by everyone in Wales, he represented everything that's right with our country, and was an inspiration in how be a wonderful person. Thanks for everything Ray, from the ArmsPark.co.uk.
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