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8 Blues Make Wales Squad

Chris Czekaj
By Andrew Collins October 25 2005
The Cardiff Blues have 8 players named in Wales' squad for the Autumn internationals against New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa and Australllia. Blues Tom Shanklin and Gethin Jenkins are both out with long-term injuries and will play no part in Wales' test series.

In the backs, Chris Czekaj retains his Welsh place after scoring on his debut against Canada in the summer. The 19 year old is very unlikely to start any matches, but will hope to feature against Fiji or be in contention if injuries take their toll.

Nicky Robinson and Mike Phillips are the other backs to be called up. The duo were impressive in Canada/USA and have been playing well together for the Blues. Both look set to start against New Zealand with Dwain Peel, Gareth Cooper and Steven Jones all having too little recovery time from recent injuries.

However theres bad news for captain Rhys Williams. Despite playing a part in Wales' Grand Slam and summer tour, the full back is dropped for Scarlets newest star, Lee Bryne. Ruddock said,

"He [Lee Bryne] has a fantastic left foot, can play in more than one position and has been given the nod over Rhys Williams because of his rich vein of form. The door is not closed on Rhys, nor anyone else who performs well in forthcoming games, and we will add to the squad as and when necessary."

Also not picked was Jamie Robinson. The undoubted talent was injured for all of last season, and although he's made 5 appearences this year, Ruddok feels he is still not ready. The decision was always expected to swing that way, but following the loss of Shanks and Henson, there was a spot open for Robinson. Instead, Matthew Watkins of the Scarlets and shockingly Mark Taylor of Sale both get the nod.

As for the forwards, there are very few suprises.

In the front row, John Yapp is joined by hooker Rhys Tomas as the young generation of talented Welshmen, but Gethin Jenkins' injury has rules him out of the entire November series.

Robert Sidoli, who impressed in the second half of the Blues win over Leeds, is named in the squad and is favourite to start. His partner will probably be Brent Cockbain, but his recent form has given Luke Charteris hope.

The 2 other Blues selected are both in in-form flankers at either end of the age range. Former captain Martyn Williams and former acadamy member, Robin Sowden-Taylor.

The forwards casualty is Andy Powell. Despite some spectacular form of late, Mike Ruddok has gone for Alix Popham. Powell will be bitterly disappointed following his great form, but it's good news for the Blues it means he will be available for the away trip to Munster on the 4th.

Backs
L Byrne (Llanelli Scarlets), G Thomas (Toulouse, capt), K Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), C Czekaj (Cardiff Blues), S Williams (Ospreys), M Taylor (Sale Sharks), S Parker (Ospreys), M Watkins (Llanelli Scarlets), C Sweeney (Newport Gwent Dragons), S Jones (Clermont Auvergne), N Robinson (Cardiff Blues), D Peel (Llanelli Scarlets), G Cooper (Newport Gwent Dragons), M Phillips (Cardiff Blues)

Forwards
D Jones (Ospreys), J Yapp (Cardiff Blues), A Jones (Ospreys), R Thomas (Cardiff Blues), M Davies (Gloucester), H Bennett (Ospreys), B Cockbain (Ospreys), I Gough (Newport Gwent Dragons), R Sidoli (Cardiff Blues), L Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), C Charvis (Newcastle), J Thomas (Ospreys), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues), M Owen (Newport Gwent Dragons, vice-capt), A Popham (Llanelli Scarlets).

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