Cardiff Blues head to Italy for their first Italian encounter in the Magners League today and head coach Dai Young insists his team have heeded the warning of Benetton Treviso’s stunning start to the season.
The Italians have kicked off their debut season in the celtic competition by winning two of their first three games – including the most recent triumph over last year’s beaten Grand Finalists Leinster.
Their other win also came on home soil, against former champions the Scarlets, leaving Young in no doubt over the size of the challenge facing his side at the Stadio Monigo.
“Treviso is already looking like one of the toughest places to get a result in the Magners League,” said Young, whose side have won both their home games but lost out on the road in Dublin in Round 2.
“I was surprised at the way they were written off at the start of the season given their experience in Europe.
“Every year they have managed to pick off big wins and are used to playing at that level. It’s a real banana skin if you take them lightly.”
Xavier Rush will not travel to Italy due to a knee injury, while Wales pair Bradley Davies and Chris Czekaj are also rested.
Casey Laulala is also out through injury though British & Irish Lion Tom Shanklin is expected to return.
“The Italian teams have already proved they are worthy of their place in the league with their results,” added Young.
“It’s an exciting new development to the competition. They are getting decent crowds and their inclusion has added something new.”
