Blues Back to Near Full Strength

Nick Macelod
By Andrew Collins
January 11 2006

Only Nicky Robinson fails to make the Perpignan match as the announced Blues team includes all the household names. Saturday's 1pm match is the most important in recent years, with a place in Europe's quarter finals on the line.

Gethin Jenkins, Rob Sidoli, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Mike Phillips, Jamie Robinson and Rhys Williams all make the starting line ups after missing the Borders game with minor injuries.

The only remaining casualty (along with Tom Shanklin) is Nick Robinson. His place is taken as it was on Saturday by Nick Macleod (pictured above).

Macleod is held in high regard by most Cardiff fans, and his goal kicking is more reliable than Robinson's, however he does lack the creativity that you get with Robo in your side. The swap won't worry many fans following Macleod's good comeback match against the Scottish region on Sunday. Despite losing the game, Macleod kicked both conversions and added 3 penalties giving a 13 p oint haul.

More emphasis will be put on the return of Mike Phillips however. Phillip's has been a massive acquisition by Young, and has been a catalyst to recent success. He missed both of the last 2 games, of which we lost both. The importance of having him in will be a massive bonus to Young and the fans.

Elsewhere in the backs, Marc Stcherbina remains at centre, but switches to 12 for Jamie Robinson to occupy 13. Robinson is a massive player in the Blues midfield, and alike Phillip's his role in the team is key.

On the wings, Jonah Lomu retains his place for the 3rd successive week, with Craig Morgan switching from full back to his proffered wing.

Rhys Williams captains the team from full back.

In the forwards, as ArmsPark.tk expected Martin Jones gets the nod to partner Gethin Jenkins at prop. Jones has been on good form this year, and his weight adds massive bulk to the forwards in what is expected to be a touch match. Rhys Thomas takes place over Duane Goodfeild for hooking duties.

In the second row, Deiniol Jones and Rob Sidoli return, with CQ looking likely to be used as an impact player late in the game.

The best possible back row selection has been chosen, with on fire duo Xavier Rush and Andy Powell playing 8 and 6 respectively. Joining them, Martyn Williams, who makes his 50th European cup match, and joins an elite list of club players to make the prestigious amount.

The bench looks very healthy, in particular the forward replacements. John Yapp, Duane Goodfeild, Craig Quinnell and Robin Sowden-Taylor are all very able players and a real match for whoever they replace.

The backs are less inspiring, but capable all the same. Ryan Powell, Lee Thomas and Roger Warren may all be used, with Warren and Thomas particularly for kicking duties should Macleod's performance drop.

Saturday is expected to be sellout, with the region hoping a season record in Wales of 11, 764 will be beaten by the Blues.

There are a series of possible outcomes from this match which I’m sure you'll all been working out for yourselves, but the real aim is to secure a 4 point win and not allow the French club to stay within 7. Obviously, 5 points would all but guarantee the Blues finish top, no matter the outcome in Leeds the following week, but to take 4 points and not allow Perpignan 1, would also be enough for the Blues to have guaranteed themselves at least 2nd.

For those who didn't understand a word of that, please find a league table below!

Remaining fixtures:
Saturday 14th
Cardiff Blues v Perpignan
Leeds Tykes v Calvasano

Sunday 22nd
Leeds Tykes v Cardiff Blues
Perpignan v Calvasano

Team:
Rhys Williams (capt); Craig Morgan, Jamie Robinson, Marc Stcherbina, Jonah Lomu; Nick Macleod, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Rhys Thomas, Martin Jones, Deiniol Jones, Robert Sidoli, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Xavier Rush.

John Yapp, Duane Goodfield, Craig Quinnell, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Ryan Powell, Lee Thomas, Roger Warren.