Jonah in for Italian Job

Jonah Lomu
By Andrew Collins
December 8 2005

Rugby's first global superstar, Jonah Lomu, is set to start his first game for the Cardiff Blues against Calvasano on Saturday in a game of massive importance to both Jonah and the Welsh region.

The massive winger starts ahead of axed Craig Morgan in what has to be seen as the best Cardiff line-up for a long time. Despite missing Tom Shanklin through injury and Jamie Robinson and Gethin Jenkins, with the duo on the bench, the Blues sport such names as Xavier Rush, Martyn Williams, Mike Phillips aswell as the big man himself.

Jonah admits he's delighted to be thrown straight into the Blues side for their key match against Italian side, Calvasano.

"It's great to be thrown in, the Blues have put out a challenge and I've got to make sure I do the job. All the coaches at the Blues have been great, their loyalty and belief mean a lot. I've fitted into this Blues team like I've always been a part of it, and I hope I can continue to grow with them. This is a stepping stone in the right direction for me."

But the All Blacks star was keen to emphasise the importance of the match to his team also,

"This is a huge game for the Blues. We have to perform and win well, but challenges like that are the reason you play rugby."

The side shows the return of fellow Kiwi Xavier Rush. The flanker injured his shoulder missing the Munster and London Irish matches but slots back into his number 8 shirt. Ever-impressive Andy Powell moves to his less favoured 6 spot, partnering Martyn Williams in an incredibly strong back row unit.

The second row is boosted by international lock, Robert Sidoli who packs down next to Deiniol Jones.

The front row is also strengthedned by Rhys Thomas' return. The Welsh hooker hasn't started for Cardiff since beating Llanelli on September 14th, with his only subs appearences being against Glasfow later that month, and last weeks match against London Irish. However, he had a successful Autumn series in which he established himself as Wales' new No.1 hooker.

In isn't doubly-boosted by Gethin Jenkins' reurn however, the prop is on the bench to mark his first appearence sine the 3rd Lions test. Instead, Martin Jones and John Yapp play at 3 and 1.

In the backs the main news is of course that of Jonah Lomu's return to world rugby. However, Craig Morgan's axing from the entire squad comes despite he and Rhys Williams starting every match the season thus far.

Czekaj takes up the other wing spot, with fellow Autumn internationals Mike Phillips and Nicky Robinson starting at half backs. Rhys Williams continues his record at full back with Marc Strchebina and Tristan Davies starting at centre.

In the subs, Gethin and Jamie are joined by Gareth Williams, Craig Quinnell, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Ryan Powell and Lee Thomas in a bench that resmbles last years starting line-up. It is by far the strongest bench the Blues have had in the last few years, as players such as Jamie, Geth, Robin and Craig can all come on and have a massive bearing on the match.

Calvasno currently sit bottom of the group with no points from 2 games. They lost their opening match at home to Perpignan without conceding four trys, but were then heavily beaten at Headinly by Leeds and conceded a vital bonus point.

The Blues will be looking at the game for 5 points. 4 points in an absolute must, anything less and heads will roll, but with the group looking so tight already, Cardiff will need every last point they can get.

Last time Cardiff travelled to Italy was in May as they seeked enrty to this very competition. that day, a weak Cardiff side beat Arix Viadanna 38-9, scoring 4 tries in the process. That team did not contain Jonah Lomu.

"I've already reached a level people never thought I would get to again. Saturday is just the start of the new Jonah."