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Blues face Scarlets in Must Win Derby

Shanklin Returns
By Andrew Collins
September 26 2009
Having lost three from three in the Magner’s League this season and without a victory at the new Cardiff City Stadium to speak of, the Cardiff Blues will be desperate beat the Scarlets in today’s massive Welsh derby.

The Blues are on a 7-game losing streak, 5 league losses as well as 2 home pre-season defeats, and that has been cause for real concern amongst fans.

Thankfully however, Dai Young welcomes back inspirational centre Tom Shanklin following the long-term absence which saw him miss The British Lions tour of South Africa. Poignantly, Shanklin will be partnered in the centre by Lions Man Tournament Jamie Roberts, as teh duo hope to pick off from their exceptional form from last season.

There's more good news for the Blues in that key Scarlets, Stephen Jones, Dafydd Jones and Rhys Thomas are all unavailable for their regions first ever outing at the Cardiff City Stadium.

In the latest fly half debate, Sam Norton-Knight gets the nod, in what's sure to be a tightly contested affair. The Aussie will get his first taste of Welsh derby's tonight, but also the first chance to right the wrongs of his home debut three weeks ago. He starts alongside Ritchie Rees at scrum half.

There‘s no Leigh Halfpenny or Tom James for the home side however and so in come Gareth Thomas and Ritchie Mustoe, while Ben Blair is ever-present at full back.

Rhys Thomas, John Yapp and Tao' Felise make up the Blues front row, with Bradley Davies and Paul Tito in the boiler room. Molitika and Xavier Rush joined by Robin Sowden-Taylor, who replaces Sam Warburton.

Blues:
Ben Blair; Richard Mustoe, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Gareth Thomas; Sam Norton-Knight, Richie Rees; John Yapp, T Rhys Thomas, Taufa'ao Filise, Bradley Davies, Paul Tito (capt), Maama Molitika, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Xavier Rush.

Darren Morris, Gareth Williams, Deiniol Jones, Andy Powell, Gareth Cooper, Ceri Sweeney, Gavin Evans.

Scarlets:
Daniel Evans; Sean Lamont, Gareth Maule, Jonathan Davies, Mark Jones (capt), Rhys Priestland, Martin Roberts; Iestyn Thomas, Ken Owens, Deacon Manu, Lou Reed, Dominic Day, Simon Easterby, Richie Pugh, David Lyons.

Phil John, Matthew Rees, Vernon Cooper, Josh Turnbull, Tavis Knoyle, Dan Newton, Lee Williams.

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Blues face Scarlets in Must Win Derby
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 26/09/2009 12:39

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