Blues Prepare for Stade
Blues Prepare for Stade Trip
Blues Prepare for Stade
By Andrew Collins
December 8 2007
Cardiff Blues arrive in Paris knowing they face a massive challenge, but also knowing a win would put them in pole position to qualify from their Heineken Cup group for the first time in the regions short history. Kick off is Sunday 4pm, and is being shown on Sky Sports.
Blues Prepare for Stade
December 8 2007
Cardiff Blues arrive in Paris knowing they face a massive challenge, but also knowing a win would put them in pole position to qualify from their Heineken Cup group for the first time in the regions short history. Kick off is Sunday 4pm, and is being shown on Sky Sports.
The visitors are given a huge boost however, the return of key trio Ben Blair, Nicky and Jamie Robinson following injury. Martyn Williams and Tom Shanklin also return to the squad after Baa Baa's duty, where Williams scored a try against World Cup winners South Africa. Williams goes straight back into the starting XV, but Shanks is kept on the bench and could prove a valuable asset to bring on.
The returns mean wholesale changes from the team that beat Bath 14-6 away. Blair slots in at full back, with the impressive Jamie Roberts switching to wing in place of Garteh Thomas. Thomas then takes his place at 12, joined by Jamie Robinson outside him. Nick Robinson replaces Flannagan, but Spice and Tom James resume in starting births, despite the return of Ritchie Ress.
In the forwards, in form hooker Gareth Williams comes in for Rhys Thomas, while Gethin Jenkins comes in despite John Yapp's good showing in recent weeks, Yappy is on the bench. Gary Powell who also played well last week makes up the front row.
Tito and Deiniol start in the boiler room, Rob Sidoli and Bradley Davies are both suffering long term injuries, so Scott Morgan is on standby.
Maama Molitika and Xavier Rush, who both played excellently last week, remain at 6 and 8 respectively, but Williams ousts Sowden-Taylor for the 7 spot.
Jamie Roberts said of the match;
"The next two weeks are probably the biggest we've had in our history, [but] we are really confident we can qualify."
In all honesty, Blues fans will be expecting very little given Stade's media prediction as tournament favorites, but if they stop the French getting 5 points, or even pick up a point themselves, Cardiff fans will consider the result pretty good, so long as qualification still looks viable after the match.
Cardiff Blues
Ben Blair; Jamie Roberts, Jamie Robinson, Gareth Thomas, Tom James; Nicky Robinson, Jason Spice; Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Gary Powell, Deiniol Jones, Paul Tito, Maama Molitika, Martyn Williams, Xavier Rush (capt).
Taufa'ao Filise, T Rhys Thomas, John Yapp, Scott Morgan, Andy Powell, Richie Rees, Tom Shanklin.
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