Firstly, Young's side features huge changes to the XV that lost in Toulouse on Sunday, a total of 9 changes have been made, as players fight for their future given the news that Nick Macleod and Rob Sidoli have both left the Blues today.

Fringe players such as Gary Powell, Scott Morgan, Mark Lewis and Marc Stcherbina have been given starts, while Alfie starts on the wing, for some unknown reason.

Last year's successful centre pairing of Stcherbina and Jamie Robinson gets it's first look this season, while Spice is partnered by Nick Robinson at half back. Tom and Gareth Thomas start on the wing, although I have no idea why when Tom Shanklin is on the bench.

There's a brand new front row of John Yapp, Rhys Thomas and Gary Powell, while Tito, who has not looked fit for some time, is dropped for Scott Morgan. Deniol Jones is ever present at 4. The back row sees just 1 change, with Xavier Rush given a well earned rest, Mark Lewis starting along side Maama Molitika and Martyn Williams.

A strong bench features Felise, Gareth Williams, Tito and Rush in the forwards, while Ritchie Rees and Dai Flanagan are joined by Tom Shanklin, who had the worst match of his otherwise spotless career last week.

Nick Robinson has talked the match up saying,

"Being the best of the Welsh sides was a major aim at the start of the year. We've had good wins in Europe and the EDF Cup, now we need a strong finish. We have a point to prove after they beat us at Stradey Park"

Ben Blair; Gareth Thomas, Jamie Robinson, Marc Stcherbina, Tom James; Nick Robinson, Jason Spice; John Yapp, T Rhys Thomas, Gary Powell, Deiniol Jones, Scott Morgan, Maama Molitika, Martyn Williams (capt), Mark Lewis.

Tauf'ao Filise, Gareth Williams, Paul Tito, Xavier Rush, Richie Rees, Dai Flanagan, Tom Shanklin.

Now, the news that Magner's League bosses are planning a complete revamp of the season, as they install play off's between the final 4 standing teams. The idea mirrors that of the Guinness Premiership, who only have 1 play off final match between the top 2 sides.

The idea has come under criticism, as it devalues the top league side, however officials argue it will keep the league interesting,

"We will avoid situations like this year where Leinster are so far in front that the last few weeks of the season could all be dead-rubber fixtures. Some will say that the league is won over the long distances not the short yards, but we need to create stimulation in the tournament and this is the best way to achieve that."

The plan is likely to come in the 09/10 season, the year after the Anglo-Welsh cup is scrapped.

It goes to show how little interest there is in the Magner's League that they have to devalue the league format so drastically. To be in with a shout of winning the league when you're the 4^th best team out of 10 seems pathetic, but the sad fact is, it will create more interest in the final games of the year.

However, winning the league won't feel the same unless the top team ends up winning it in my opinion. Where is the pride in being 4^th best over the year, but winning your final 2 games?

The idea has not been confirmed, thankfully, but is being discussed among league bosses at the moment.

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