Selection for the match has been restricted with a number of Cardiff Blues players picking up injuries over recent weeks. Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Roberts and Bradley Davies all suffered medium-term injuries, while on international duty with Wales. Michael Paterson, Dan Fish, Andi Kyriacou and Tom James all picked up injuries in the last two matches against Zebre and the Ospreys.
Speaking ahead of the game Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, Phil Davies, said,
“Only a fortnight ago things were looking very positive for us, when we were welcoming back some key players.
‘However, we have been extremely unfortunate to pick up a raft of injuries in the last few weeks.
“It is frustrating that we cannot select from a full strength squad for these crucial matches, but on a positive note, it gives a chance for some of our other players to step up and show what they can do.”
Speaking of the opposition Davies added,
“Montpellier has a formidable reputation in the French league as a very physical team with an extremely strong set-piece.
“Their scrum is particularly strong this season, having won all 17 of their put-ins so far in both Heineken Cup games and their six lineout steals is a joint high this season.
“These are areas in which we will have to be at our best if we are to compete this Sunday.”
15 Jason Tovey 14 Alex Cuthbert 13 Gavin Evans 12 Dafydd Hewitt 11 Harry Robinson 10 Rhys Patchell 9 Lloyd Williams
8 Andries Pretorius (c) 7 Sam Warburton 6 Josh Navidi 5 James Down 4 Lou Reed 3 Scott Andrews 2 Marc Breeze 1 Sam Hobbs
16 Rhys Wiliams 17 Tafa’ao Filise 18 Benoit Bourrust 19 Macauley Cook 20 Robin Copeland 21 Lewis Jones 22 Ceri Sweeney 23 Owen Williams
Not available for selection:
Leigh Halfpenny
Severe stinger in match against Australia and is receiving on-going review by specialists
Bradley Davies
Suffered concussion in match against New Zealand. Expected to be back in training on 11 December
Jamie Roberts
Suffered elbow hyperextension in match against Australia and seeing specialist on Wednesday 5th December. Expected back 6 weeks
Andi Kyriacou
Suffered concussion against Ospreys. Expected to be back week leading up to Scarlets or Dragons match
4 - 6 WEEKS
Michael Paterson
Fractured little finger against Ospreys. Surgery Thursday 6 December.
As per specialist review but expected back in 4 – 6 weeks
Chris Czeckaj
Foot ligament injury. Surgery to remove pin 13th December, expected back early January
Dan Fish
Suffered shoulder nerve palsy in match against Zebre and seeing specialist. Awaiting results
Tom James
Fractured sesamoid (big toe). Surgery to remove pin on Wednesday 5th December, back 6 weeks post operation.
LONG TERM
Jake Cooper-Woolley
Right knee ACL injury
4 months
Tom Davies
ACL knee reconstruction this week
4 months