Young announces XV fit players...

Debuton Ben Blair
By Andrew Collins
September 14 2006

Just 3 games into a new season, and the Cardiff Blues are facing an injury crisis', who'd have seen it coming?

Everyone, thats who!

The Blues have been made to pay already for their tiny squad, as they face a trip to Dublin without (unrolls very long scroll)... Mike Phillips, Nick Robinson, Rhys Williams, Duane Goodfield, Rhys Thomas, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Andy Powell or Jamie Robinson.

So no-one too important then.

On top of that list Deiniol Jones and Gethin Jenkins are dropped from the squad entirely and Tom Shanklin, Rob Sidoli, Scott Morgan and Felise are amoung the substitutes.

However, Ben Blair does make his debut since his arrival from New Zealand, and even newer signing Ed Fairhurst sits on the bench behind scrum half Wayne Evans.

Dai Young Said today;

“Robin Sowden-Taylor suffered a fracture dislocation of his right ankle. He spent the night in the University of Wales Hospital Cardiff in the Heath and is due for an operation this afternoon. It looks like he will be out for six to eight months. Rhys Williams has a hip flexor injury and won’t be taking part in the match against Leinster this Saturday and will possibly be out for the match against Glasgow. Our hookers also suffered injuries with Rhys Thomas sustaining a dead leg and Duane Goodfield has a nasty gash above his right eye. Mike Phillips suffered an abductor strain (groin area) and Nicky Robinson has bruising on the hip. Jamie Robinson looks to be out for a further two to three weeks with a groin strain as will Andy Powell who has a shoulder injury”

So here's the only XV players we have remaining;

Ben Blair; Chris Czekaj, Tom Reiley, Marc Strchebina, Mosese Luveitasau; Nick Macloed, Mike Phillips; John Yapp, Gareth Williams, Gary Powell, Brdaley Davies, James Goode, Mark Lewis, Martyn Williams, Xavier Rush (C).

Felise, Ross Johnsen, Sidoli, Scott Morgan, Ed Fairhurst, Dai Flannagan, Tom Shanklin.