By Andrew Collins
January 4 2006

Dai Young names a side hardly resembling that which beat the Ospreys and Dragons, with 12 changes announced! With 8 fresh injuries following the Scarlets match, the Blues suddenly have an injury crisis, very similar to that of the last 3 years.

Where do I start?

Well, at 15, one of just two positional changes of the 13, Craig Morgan reverts from his wing to take over from injured Rhys Williams. The captain misses his first game since being named as Martyn Williams' successor.

The space he leaves on the wing is filled by Chris Czekaj. In fairness, this is a change few fans will worry about, with CC on good try scoring form. Opposite him, Jonah Lomus starts his 3rd consecutive game, the first time he has done, whether tierdness kicks in we're yet to see.

Marc Stcherbina remains in the centre, but moves to 13 with Tristan Davies sitting at 12.

Along side him, Nick Macleod makes an unexpected return to the Blues starting line-up. He was set be eased back into action with Cardiff RFC following 3 months out, but after just 2 games with the club side, he is thrust staight in due to injuries for Nick Robinson and Roger Warren.

Ryan Powell continues at scrum half, despite a poor display against the Scarlets. Youngster Wayne Evans is on the bench, he made his debut in the Welsh derby on Monday, but was forced to the wing. We didn't see much of him, though he scampered back well after a kick was put over his head and got the ball into touch. Mike Phillips remains unfir, and a real concern for the Perpignan game.

In the forwards, there are 8 changes, none of which positional.

John Yapp makes his first start since featuring with Wales in their Autumn internationals, with Ben Evans and hot prospect hooker Duane Goodfeild.

In the second row, Deiniol Jones partners James Goode, making a rare start for the region, and it's also all change in the back row.

Firstly, Mamma Molitika is given a chance at 6 after showing excellent form up to and including the Wasps game, he'll be keen to impress Dai and pressure Andy Powell with two important European matches coming up.

At 7, Robin Sowden-Taylor makes is not only starting, but wears the arm band in Rhys Williams' absence. RST is a highly regarded player and a big fan favourite, at just 23, he looks set to become the next Martyn Williams. He signed a 3-year deal with the Blues last season, saying  he'd never want to play anywhere else. His loyalty is rewarded, and so is his form.

Kort Schubert plays at 8. The American has found appearences hard to come by this year, with the arrival of Andy Powell and Xavier Rush, but he was one of Cardiff stand-out players last season, and will be keen to remind Dai of that. His contract expires at the end of the season, and is unfortunately set to leave as he is after all a foregin player, but a good performance against the Borders may earn him another break.

On the bench, 3 survivors from last weeks starting line-up and 2 subs who resume on the bench.

Rhys Thomas, Martyn Jones and Craig Quinnell are all rested, with big games coming up, whil Wayne Evans and Roger Warren are back on the bench, however Warren is 50/50 to make the game, with Dean Dewdney his cover.

Mark Lewis and Lee Thomas make up the numbers.

Dai Young said,

"The squad has been decimated by injury after playing four games in seventeen days during the Christmas period and we are sweating on a number of players to be fit for the Perprignan game. We picked up a number of injuries in the match against Scarlets with Nicky Robinson injuring his shoulder as did Andy Powell. Rob Sidoli and Roger Warren suffered rib damage, Rhys Williams picked up a groin injury and Jamie Robinson broke his nose. Martyn Williams is also suffering from fluid on the knee, Gethin Jenkins has a multitude of bumps and bruises and Mike Phillips is still recovering from ankle ligament damage."

Despite clearly having a better team over the years, the Blues have never beaten the Borders away from home. Having lost the first meeting 22-20, they went on to lose 35-25 the following year! This depleted looking squad still has some good players, Jonah Lomu, Craig Morgan, Chris Czekaj are all dangerous in the backs, with Nick Macleod also a very talented youngster. The thing that worrys me, is their lack of game time together and in some cases at all. Kort and Mamma have featured very little, Macleod returns from a long injury etc.

It means the trip to Scotland is once again a nervous one, and another possible loss.