By Andrew Collins
September 15 2012
Cardiff RFC set out an impressive stall for their regional colleges, demolishing Newport RFC in the first of today’s two matches between the sides.
Cardiff kick started their season with a 9-try thrashing of Newport at the Arms Park, their first win of the new campaign.
Cardiff had been bolstered with the return of regional players such as Macaulay Cook, Robin Copeland and Dan Fish, all of whom got on the score sheet. There was also a notable display at outside half from Gareth Davies, a player who was overlooked at for the Blues’ match at Rodney Parade this evening, with youngster Rhys Patchell getting his first senior start at 10.
With the Blues facing the Dragons in tonight’s regional match, the Premiership players have given fans a dream start to the day. However, with the Blues’ unconvincing performance against Edinburgh last weekend, fans look unlikely to get the same result – let along score! – later on.
The Blues will travel to Rodney parade as underdogs for the first time in a number of years following a summer of player cuts and fresh coaching faces. The match, which is live on S4C from 6.00pm, has the potential to be a high-scorer and is an early season 8-pointer with the two Welsh sides likely to be scrapping for Heineken places come May.
Newport Gwent Dragons: Dan Evans, Will Harries , Pat Leach, Andy Tuilagi, Tom Prydie; Steffan Jones, Jonathan Evans; Phil Price, Steve Jones, Dan Way, Ian Nimmo, Adam Jones, Dan Lydiate, Lewis Evans (capt), Toby Faletau.
Replacements : Hugh Gustafson, Aaron Coundley, Nathan Buck, Jevon Groves, Tom Brown, Liam Davies, Ashley Smith, Adam Hughes.
Cardiff Blues: Thomas Williams; Alex Cuthbert, Gavin Evans, Dafydd Hewitt, Harry Robinson; Rhys Patchell, Lloyd Williams; Nathan Trevett, Marc Breeze, Taufa'ao Filise, Bradley Davies, James Down, Josh Navidi, Sam Warburton, Andries Pretorius (capt).
Replacments: Kristian Dacey, Thomas Davies, Benoit Bourrust, Lou Reed, Rory Watts-Jones, Lewis Jones, Ceri Sweeney, Jamie Roberts.
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Quote:rotherhamtillidie
Need to playb Copland blindside, not second row