Cardiff Blues back row forward Andy Powell will be on the bench when the Blues take on European Cup champions Leinster this Sunday in the Magners League, 4pm kick off
David Young has named a strong team with only two changes from the side that beat Glasgow by 30 points to 7 at Firhill a fortnight ago. Scott Morgan starts in the second row in place of Deiniol Jones, while Sam Warburton returns from Wales duty and starts at 7.
Speaking ahead of the match Young said,
“Our last three home matches in the Magners League are against Irish opposition, starting with Leinster, followed by Ulster at the end of the month and Munster in May.”
“We know all of these matches will be tough challenges with Irish rugby on a high following last season’s achievements. So we know we have a difficult run in, starting with Sunday’s game.”
“While our Cup form has been good this season our Magners League form has not been up to standard.”
“With only a few games left in the League and important qualification for the Heineken Cup at stake, every point is important for us.”
“Obviously we were all pleased with our last League performance and result with our win up in Glasgow.”
“We completely dominated the game and with 10 minutes left we were 30-0 up, having scored three tries.”
“Our record against Glasgow has not been brilliant, having not won there since 2005, so perhaps it is greedy to have wanted a bonus point.”
The Cardiff Blues will also be launching their first ever Ladies Day at the Cardiff City Stadium for the match. Women’s tickets cost from just £2 for season ticket holder’s guests and £5 for general sales.
15 Ben Blair 14 Tom James 13 Casey Laulala 12 Tom Shanklin
11 Chris Czekaj 10 Ceri Sweeney 9 Gareth Cooper
8 Xavier Rush 7 Sam Warburton 6 Maama Molitika 5 Paul Tito (c) 4 Scott Morgan 3 Gary Powell 2 T Rhys Thomas 1 Taufa’ao Filise
Replacements: 16 Huw Dowden 17 Scott Andrews 18 Andries Pretorius 19 Andy Powell 20 Lloyd Williams 21 Sam Norton-Knight 22 Dafydd Hewitt
