If anyone doubts the intensity of modern professional rugby they only have to look at the injury lists for any of the Welsh regions – both Cardiff Blues and Neath Swansea Ospreys have major misses for this Cardiff Swansea clash. However, all Wales fans will surely be delighted to see Martyn Williams back in action this evening.
Blues director of Rugby Dai Young praised his opponents to the extent of tipping them as possible European champions, telling the BBC, “They’ve got the physicality, the flair, the pace and the guile to put any team to the sword. So we know the threats that are coming our way and know we are going to have to be at our best to get the right result.”
Blues: Ben Blair; Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Tom James; Sam Norton-Knight, Gareth Cooper; Gethin Jenkins (capt), Gareth Williams, Taufa’ao Filise, Deiniol Jones, Scott Morgan, Sam Warburton, Martyn Williams, Xavier Rush.
Replacements: T Rhys Thomas, Gary Powell, Paul Tito, Ben White, Richie Rees, Ceri Sweeney, Richard Mustoe.
Ospreys: Barry Davies; Tommy Bowe, Sonny Parker, Andrew Bishop, Shane Williams (capt); Dan Biggar, Rhodri Wells; Duncan Jones, Richard Hibbard, Cai Griffiths, Ian Gough, Alun Wyn Jones, Jerry Collins, Steve Tandy, Tom Smith.
Replacements: Ed Shervington, Paul James, Jonathan Thomas, Filo Tiatia, Ryan Jones, James Hook, Nikki Walker.
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU).
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