By Andrew Collins
November 28 2006

The Blues face 3 massive tests in consecutive weeks as they take on London Irish, and a double-header with Munster.

The first match takes place this Friday, and could see the Cardiff Blues reach their first ever semi-final in any competition. The Anglo-Welsh clash is the final group game, and with the Arms Park side currently with 2 wins from 2, they sit top of the mini league, with the home fixture to come.

 

Cardiff achieved a famous win over Wasps at home in the opening match, covered live on BBC 1 UK-wide. They then travelled up to London to take on the Saracens, a match they dominated and won, another magnificent result.

 

Those two sides compete this weekend, with qualification in the Blues hands. A win would see them through for sure, while a loss or draw would begin a tirade of mathematical equations, full of ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’.

 

The team is expected to be announced for that match shortly, but its expected all the international players, representing Wales, Canada and the Pacific Islands, are available.

 

Rob Sidoli is the only addition to the injury list, facing up to 3 months out, however Heineken zero Gary Powell is back following a ban.

 

The Blues then have a massive match against European Champions, Munster, at the Arms Park. All fans are urged to buy tickets now or face not getting any. The match is a guaranteed sell-out, with any remaining tickets being put on general sale, with Munster fans eager to buy.

 

Following the disappointing, yet encouraging loss to Leicester in the last match of the tournament, qualification from the difficult group is all but impossible. However, Dai Young will be reeling from their last Heineken clash and will be keen to show that his side can not just compete, but beat some of Europe’s top teams.

 

That’s followed by an away trip to a sell-out home of the champs, and one many fans will not be looking forward to!

 

But it’s a busy few weeks for Dai and his men, and of course for us fans. The roller-coaster few weeks begins this Friday, and takes us up until Christmas, when he equally big matches begin, the Welsh derby’s, with the Blues travelling to Rodney Parade, the Dragons lair.

 

Keep up to date with it all right here, at www.theArmsPark.co.uk