Blues Travel to Biarritz

Dai Young names an unchanged side from the one that narrowly beat Biarritz in the reverse fixture last weekend, as the Blues look to win their 4th consecutive Heineken Cup match. A win on Saturday would all but confirm the Welsh region a place in the Quater Finals, while bonus points would also be helpful.

The unchanged side means that Leigh Halfpenny has recovered from a knock that led to him being substituted last Friday night, however come too soon for scrum half, Ritchie Rees, who misses the match.

Last weekends 21-17 victory did little to rally the capitol side ahead of a tough trip to Parc des Sports Aguilera, with the squad looking tired after the Autumn Internationals. However, in-form number 8 Andy Powell has hit back following concerns over their status in Pool 6;

"We have to improve a hell of a lot. There were a few positives and a few negatives. We will work on the negatives during the week because we know Biarritz are probably going to give it a good shot."

The newly capped Welsh International then went on to talk about Cardiff´s chances this week, knowing a win would see them in the Quater Finals - barring any shockers at home to Calvisano on the final weekend;

"It's always going to be a tough game against the French but we are confident we can go there and win. We are big boys and we know Biarritz are going to give us a good run for our money this week. We need to front up."

Despite being well known for their fluidity in the backs, and ability to run with ball in hand, the Blues failed to register a single try in the home tie, and were instead reliant on the boots of Ben Blair and Nicky Robinson to grind out a victory.

But as has been said all week in the papers, the Blues would have lost that match two seasons ago, and performance counts for nothing when you´re going home without a win.

So, it´s Biarritz who now come under pressure, as they look to defend a record of 26 wins out of 28 European home matches. They left the Principality with a bonus point, but will have felt a little hard done by seing as they outscored the home side 2 tries to 0, ironically mirroring that of the Blues over the last 5 years - performance, but not teh victory to make it really count.

So Cardiff go to South France on Saturday as underdogs, undoubtedly, but knowing they could well sneak a win against a Biarritz side facing troubles both on and off the pitch.

Realistically, looking at the pool, if the Blues can take a point back to Wales, they´ll be delighted. Biarritz are still in contention to qualify, as are Gloucester, who still have to come to France, but with a 5-pointer at home to Calvisano to come, the Arms Park region know a point here could be the difference between qualification and 2nd place.

The match is being covered on Sky Sports 2 from 1pm, with kick off at 1.30pm.

Ben Blair; Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Robinson, Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas; Nick Robinson, Jason Spice; Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Gary Powell, Deiniol Jones, Paul Tito (capt), Ma'ama Molitika, Martyn Williams, Andy Powell.

Taufa'ao Filise, Rhys Thomas, Scott Morgan, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Darren Allinson, Ceri Sweeney, Tom James.