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Blues Set For Bristol

Jamie on the wing
By Andrew Collins January 18 2008
Dai Young has announced the most important side he has ever announced today, as he named his twenty two for the Heineken Cup showdown with Bristol. Young makes changes from the side that beat Harlequins last week, read on for more details…

The real surprise of the side is Jamie Robinson's inclusion on the wing. The giant centre does have pace to burn, and is one of the squads most reliable tacklers, but he is relatively untried in the position and in such a big game is a big risk to take.

With Alfie moving to 12, in place of last weeks try scorer Daf Hewitt , as well as injuries to Tom James and Chris Czekaj, there were few other options for Dai, who has selected Jamie over Tal Selley, who does feature on the bench.

Elsewhere, it's as expected really. A strong midfield partnership of Alf and Shanklin is surrounded by Jamie Roberts and Jamie Robinson on either wing, with Ben Blair starting at full back. Spice and Macleod remain at 9 and 10.

The front row has been looking very healthy of late, the trio of Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams and Tao' Filise continue. They're backed in the second row by Deiniol and Tito, while Maama, Mart and Xav make up the back.

As far as tactics go, Cardiff must do two things if they are to beat Bristol, or even pick up a losing bonus point. 1. Take points on every visit to the 22, be it a try, penalty or even drop goal and 2, be very well disciplined. With Bristol looking for 4 tries, every penalty will be going to the corner, and that's a place Cardiff don't want to be spending the entire match!

Here's to hoping Ben Blair kicks every kick, Macleod slots a few cheeky drop goals and Cardiff advance to the Quarter final for the first time since coach Dai Young was captain!

COME ON CARDIFF!!!!!!!

Ben Blair; Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas, Jamie Robinson; Nick Macleod, Jason Spice; Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Tauf'ao Filise, Deiniol Jones, Paul Tito, Maama Molitika, Martyn Williams, Xavier Rush (capt)

Gary Powell, T. Rhys Thomas, Scott Morgan, Mark Lewis, Richie Rees, Rhys Jones, Tal Selley.

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