Ahead of the first competitive Welsh derby of the season Ceri Sweeney looks forward to this weekend's clash.
Ahead of the first competitive Welsh derby of the season Ceri Sweeney looks forward to this weekend's clash.
Cardiff Blues have won their last seven meetings against Newport Gwent Dragons but Sweeney knows it will be another physical encounter on Saturday.
“I watched the Dragons on Sunday and I thought they played well. They’re quite physical and didn’t really look like losing against Glasgow,” he said.
“I think upfront they pose a big threat especially with the lineout. Scott Morgan’s a good line-out organiser and Robin Sowden-Taylor is very tenacious and disruptive in the tackle area. Both will have a point to prove this weekend against their former team.”
Sweeney himself is no stranger to Saturday’s opposition, having spent three years at Rodney Parade. However since his move to the Blues, the fly-half has been a thorn in the Dragons’ side, scoring a try in each of his two previous visits to his old ground.
And Sweeney is hoping to make a similar impression this time around. He said,
“It’s hard to explain really. You always want to show up well against your former team. It’s not quite as personal as people make it out to be but obviously you want to perform to show them what they are missing out on.”
The Blues’ run of nine successive victories came to an end at the hands of Leinster last Saturday, something Sweeney is looking to put right at the earliest opportunity. Whilst he acknowledges the strength of the Dragons, he believes if the Blues can rectify the errors that cost them the game in Dublin then they can extend their record to eight straight wins against their rivals.
“They offer threats all around the park but we have to concentrate on ourselves a bit more. We saw on Saturday that when we get it right we are dangerous; we just have to rid our game of the mistakes.”
** It's 70's night at the match on Saturday 18 September, 6.30pm kick off, and the Blues are urging both sets of fans to get into the spirit of things and don their best 70's costumes for the evening, which promises to be another great event.
The Blues Supporters Quarter under the Canton Stand is open for an hour and a half before kick off every Blues home game, providing an area for supporters to congregate pre and post match.
The Taffy Apples will be performing classic covers from the 70’s for the grown ups to enjoy, while Eco Theeeko, the magician, will also be returning to entertain the youngsters.
Tickets are available online www.cardiffblues.com/tickets or by calling the ticket office 0845 345 1400