Shanks Returns for Liberty Showdown

Ospreys Vs Blues
By Andrew Collins
September 12 2006

Tom Shanklin starts his first match in nearly 11 months on Wednesday, as Cardiff take on Wales' 'Dream Team' at their stomping ground.

Last year, the Cardiff Blues did the double over the former Celtic League champs, beating them first at their beautiful new Swansea home, The Liberty Stadium.

To go and repeat that feat is looking a very formidable challenge, but Cardiff can be boosted by Shanklins return, plus having a full 9 days off unlike the O's who lost to Connacht away 15-10 over the weekend.

Tom comes in at outside centre, replacing Jamie Robinson, that the only change in the starting XV that beat Munster on the opening day.

On the bench, Gary Powell replaces John Yapp, and should make his first League appearance since resigning for Cardiff. Duane Goodfield also comes in for Gareth Williams.

Ben Blair doesn't feature.

Cardiff Blues team V Ospreys

Rhys Williams, Chris Czekaj, Tom Shanklin, Marc Stcherbina, Mosese Luveitasau, Nick Robinson, Mike Phillips, Gethin Jenkins, T Rhys Thomas, Tufaao Filise, Deiniol Jones, Rob Sidoli, Scott Morgan, Martyn Williams, Xavier Rush (c)

Gary Powell, Duane Goodfield, Bradley Davies, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Wayne Evans, Nick Macleod, Tom Riley