By no13
October 8 2006

There are suggestions in the press that the English clubs do not take the EDF Energy Cupas seriously as the Welsh Clubs. That is probably the case. Add to that the desire of all Welsh teams to destroy English teams they have a chance to play against and Saracens are in for a very tough game. Cardiff Blues, the Welsh team that has under-achieved in previous seasons, have got off to a much better start this season and have won 3 out of their 5 games. They sit mid-table in the Magners League but have a game in hand and coach Dai Young believes that the Blues are now definitely moving in the right direction after their impressive win against Wasps last weekend.

After a mixed pre-season – they lost 3-20 to Bristol – the Blues took on Munster in their first Magners League game and defeated the Heineken Cup champions 22-13. In their next two games they reverted to the less impressive form they showed last year and lost narrowly to Ospreys (16-18) and Leinster (9-16). But spurred on by an impressive performance from their new Kiwi full back, Ben Blair, their form changed and a 27-9 win against Glasgow was followed by the impressive 36-20 win against Wasps.

Sarries, on the other hand, come to the game with only 1 win out of 5 games and a performance at London Irish described as “rubbish” by Gaffney. There were some odd selections for the Irish game so perhaps a selection of the best players in their best positions will get the team back in shape. The Irish game was not typical of how we have played in the first four games.

A key feature of the first round of Anglo-Welsh matches has been the ability or rather inability of the English clubs to deal with the Welsh referees’ responses to the break-down and tackle area. Wasps did not handle this well that probably cost them the game. The opposite may apply at Vicarage Road which could benefit Sarries given the strength we have at 6, 7 and 8 if we pick the right players.

Whatever colour shirt he will be wearing, Sarries supporters will give a very warm welcome back to Tom Shanklin. A huge favourite at Sarries. Many of us remember his first appearance in a pre-season against (I think) Gloucester. He put in some great games for us and it will be good to see him back. He has proved to be one of Wales’ best young players and one that we can be proud to have brought on through the club. Cardiff have some other very talented players: Mike Phillips and Nicky Robinson at 9 and 10 may not be quite up to Dwayne Peel and Stephen Jones but England coaches would be very pleased indeed to see that strength in depth this side of the Severn bridge. Mike Phillips would have a seriously good chance of making the England side this Autumn. With Martyn Williams, Ben Blair and an 80% chance of captain and all black, Xavier Rush, playing, this is going to be a game not to miss.