My first thoughts about selecting the forwards for next seasons strongest squad, was that it would be exactly the same as last season, as there have been no new signings in the front 8. However, though we waved farewell to Rob Sidoli and James Goode, we welcome back Bradley Davies and Andy Powell from long-term injury, and look forward to seeing the likes of Sam Warburton making the step up.

Loose Head Prop
Only ever going to be one man here, Gethin Jenkins. Bar far Wales first choice at loose head, and likely to be there for the lions too come next summer. Yapp remains his understudy.

Tight Head Prop
Largely depends on how Yapp's switch to tight head goes, but we're likely to see Tao' Felise remain there for next year at least. The Samoan has really steadied the pack since his arrival from Bath, and though he's not as present in the loose as Yappy, his scrumaging is second to none in the position for Cardiff. Again, depending on how successful Yapp's swap goes, we may still see Gary Powell make a few starts next season.

Hooker
Really interesting one to call. This time last year, anyone in Wales would have said Rhys Thomas, but after a magnificent season, the nearly released Gareth Williams is surely the man to lead us into the big occasions next year. The line out has functioned like never before, his loose play is like having an extra back on the park, and his size becomes irrelevant next year, as we see the introduction of ELV's and so less scrums, providing us with a more loose game. For me, it Umpa Lumpa (Williams), but I wouldn't be surprised to see many going for TR.

Second Row
Sidoli and Goode's departure's mean we're likely to see more of Bradley Davies next year, barring anymore injuries, but with player of the year, Tito, and Mr consistency Deiniol Jones, he will struggle to break into first team action for the big Heineken encounters. Scott Morgan has been made a second row man for next season, meaning he too will provide cover, while we may also see the emergence of former Wales U19's captain Jevon Groves, who was the only Welshman banned following a post match ruckus with France at this years Junior Championships. He was ever present in the side that finished 4^th in the competition, prior to his banning.

Flankers
Maama Molitika and Martyn Williams, no question. The pair were in scintillating form last season, with Maama's return proving the catalyst for a perfect back row trio. For me, big Maama was the player of the season, and that was reflected by the squad themselves, who voted the Tongan, Player's Player of the Season. His excellent displays and hard work ethic took massive attention off Martyn and Xavier, who were always targets for defending sides. His two tires in return fixtures against Bristol proved huge in getting the Blues to their first Heineken Quarter Final. Elsewhere, Ben White is always energetic at 6, and has been very impressive in the Dan Baugh mould, while as ever, Robin Sowden-Taylor remains possibly the best player in Wales to not be starting for their region.

Number Eight
Again, no debate about this one, captain marvel, Xavier Rush. The good news however is that there will be a new man as his replacement next year, with Wales Under 20's captain, Sam Warburton surely set to make his regional bow this year. The Glamorgan Wanderers player has already admitted being a huge fan of the region, and hope to fulfil his dream of playing for the Cardiff Blues. He'll have to stave off competition from Mark Lewis and fit-again Andy Powell, but with both those two being able to play on the flank as well, it would be a travesty if we didn't see Sam gain at least a handful of appearances next year.

So here's how its looks for the forwards;

1. Gethin Jenkins/John Yapp
2. Gareth Williams/Rhys Thomas
3. Tao' Felise/Gary Powell
4. Deiniol Jones/Bradley Davies
5. Paul Tito/Scott Morgan
6. Maama Molitika/Ben White
7. Martyn Williams/Robin Sowden-Taylor
8. Xavier Rush/Andy Powell

Agree? Disagree? Have your say on the message board below.

Strongest XV 08 - Backs, to follow shortly.

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