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Newbie Warren Starts For Depleted Blues
By Andrew Collins
November 2 2005
New Blue Roger Warren will start at full back for Fridays encounter against Irish province Munster. The Samoan signed on the last day of the transfer deadline, but has yet to feature despite injuries to backs Nick Macleod, Tristan Davies and Tom Shanklin.

With the former Leicster full back starting at 15, off-form captain Rhys Williams moves to the wing, the first time he's played there for the region.

Williams is joined on the wing by Craig Morgan, both of whom are the only players to have started every Blues match this season.

Blues scrum half Mike Phillips has been selected to start against New Zealand following great form for his new region. On moving, Mike insisted he came for first team rugby so that he could stake a claim at the famous red 9 jersey, and he's been rewarded at the highest level.

Ryan Powell recovers from an injury which stopped him flying to Perpignan and so starts with regular bench partner Lee Thomas. Thomas has been given little chance to impress this season, but has been called upon following the absence of Nick Robinson, who got a bench spot for Saturdays game, and Nick Macleod who is still injured.

The centre partnership of Stitch and Jamie continues onto Fridays match, Jamie's try last weekend was his 2nd since his return from injury, as he looked to rebuild his career and eventually look to Wales for the prestige he undoubtably deserves.

In the forwards, Martyn Williams, Robert Sidoli, Robin Sowden-Taylor and John Yapp are all unavilable with Wales, and Kiwi Xavier Rush has had surgery on his shoulder, but will be back for the Calvasano away match.

In the front row, Gareth Williams starts his 3rd match on the trot, with Ben Evens and Martin Jones for company.

At lock, the familiar face of Rob Sidoli will not be seen, his position is taken by James Goode. The young second row has been playing with the RFC side for the last few years and has always been held high in regard by Blues fans. He'll be hoping to impress with his first appearnce of the season, and put his name amungst partner Deiniol Jone and benched Craig Quinnell.

Despite missing 3 players, the back row still looks relaible and threatening, a sign of the strength in depth we finally seem to have. Ever-impressive Andy Powell starts at 8, with mr consistant, Mamma Molitika, at 7, with mr 110% Kort Schubert at 6.

Also on the bench, Dean Dewdney returns, and will be hopeful to make his first appearence of the season. Dwain Goodfeild is recalled as backup hooker, Nathan Llewellyn is called up as prop for his first seasonal appearnce, and Wayne Evans is will hope to make his first ever appearcence in a Blues shirt. Tristan Davies and Mark Lewis are also named as a subs.

On paper, the squad does include 13 internationals, and the likes of Rhys Williams and Jamie Robinson, which against a Munster team also missing 8 call ups, whould be sufficient, but it wont be pretty.

Realistically, we'd be happy with a hard fought, ground out vioctory, with the majory of points coming from the boot of Lee Thomas and/or Roger Warren. It should be a 4 pointer, but with this set of players havng such little game time together, it may be a rusty, porr performance. Result is all thats important.

Roger Warren; Rhys Williams, Jamie Robinson, Marc Stcherbina, Craig Morgan; Lee Thomas, Ryan Powell; Martin Jones, Gareth Williams, Ben Evans, Deiniol Jones, James Goode, Kort Schubert, Maama Molitika, Andy Powell.

Nathan Llewelyn, Duane Goodfield, Craig Quinnell, Mark Lewis, Wayne Evans, Tristan Davies, Dean Dewdney.

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