Blues tackle table toppers

Blues vs Ulster
By Andrew Collins
October 12 2006

Dai Young has announced his side to play Ulster in this weekends Magners League clash at Ravenhill.

The Blues take on top of the table Ulster, going into the match in rich vein of form, having back-to-back wins over English sides Saracens and Wasps, as well as a home win over Glasgow.

 

But Ulster will present a completely different challenge. The Irish province have been in good form themselves of late, and will be keen to continue winning ways against the Welsh title challengers.

 

Young has rested some players however, with the Heineken Cup starting up next weekend and the Blues travelling to Bourgoin.

 

Ben White and Ed Fairhurst make their first starts since joining, while injuries to Xavier Rush and Ben Blair see chances for Mark Lewis and Nick Macleod to prove themselves before next weekend.

 

Rhys Thomas, Rob Sidoli, Mosese Luvaitasau and Mike Phillips are all rested from the squad, while Tom Shanklin, Martyn Williams and Gethin Jenkins are all on the bench.

 

Rhys Williams make his return from injury, and to most fans delight will take up a spot on the wing, the position many feel is his best. He is joined by Jamie Robinson who partners Marc Stcherbina.

 

James Goode, Gary Powell, John Yapp and Duane Goodfield all come in to the pack in a much weaker starting XV.

 

The match kicks off at 5:30pm on Saturday, and is covered live on S4C.

 

Cardiff Blues
Nick Macleod; Chris Czekaj, Jamie Robinson, Marc Stcherbina, Rhys Williams; Nicky Robinson, Ed Fairhurst; John Yapp, Duane Goodfield, Gary Powell, Deiniol Jones, James Goode, Scott Morgan, Ben White, Mark Lewis.

Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Bradley Davies, Martyn Williams, Wayne Evans, Tom Shanklin, David Flannigan.