Saturday 11 December, 2010
Northampton Saints v Cardiff Blues 17.45 Franklins Gardens
There’s one change in the backs from the team that nearly beat Munster last weekend, with Tom James coming in for Gavin Evans on the Wing.
There are two changes in the forwards with Martyn Williams coming in at Openside and Bradley Davies starting in the Second Row.
The Blues are still missing a number of key players through injury: Leigh Halfpenny, Ben Blair, Jamie Roberts, Lloyd Williams, James Down, Deiniol Jones and T Rhys Thomas, all unavailable for selection.
T Rhys Thomas is out with a shoulder injury but hopefully will be back for the home game next Sunday, while Deiniol Jones should return from his eye socket injury around Christmas time. James Down is out for the rest of the season with a broken foot. Jamie Robert is expected to be back for the Dragons match on the 27th.
Speaking of the other injuries, Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young, said,
“Leigh Halfpenny is progressing really well. He might miss the European games but maybe back for Ospreys.”
“Ben Blair is still injured with his knee. It’s a ligament problem in the back of knee which is ongoing. He’s had an injection to help it. It’s nothing structural and doesn’t need an operation.”
“Also, unfortunately Lloyd Williams is out for the season following his shoulder operation.”
The Cardiff Blues have drafted in Tom Slater in place of Gareth Cooper for their Heineken Cup squad.
CardiffBlues
15 Chris Czekaj14 Richard Mustoe13 Casey Laulala12 Tom Shanklin11 Tom James10 Dan Parks9 Richie Rees
8 Xavier Rush7 Martyn Williams6 Maama Molitika5 Paul Tito (c)4 Bradley Davies3 Taufa’ao Filise2 Gareth Williams1 Gethin Jenkins
16 Rhys Williams17 Scott Andrews18 John Yapp 19 Michael Paterson20 Sam Warburton21 Tom Slater22 Ceri Sweeney23 Gavin Evans