Sell-Out Side

Sell-Out Side
By Andrew Collins
December 7 2006

This Sunday’s Heineken Cup clash with Munster is a sell out, while Dai announces his team.

CardiffBlues.com have confirmed that this weekend’s 3^rd round European Cup match with Munster is a complete sell out! While the official attendance has not been released, perhaps so not to spark ground share talk, it’s believed a capacity crowd of around 12,500 are expected to arrive in a bid to cheer on their side.

 

And indeed, they now know what that side will be…

 

Just one change in the starting XV, with Tom Shanklin coming into the side, however it’s Mosese Luvivatasau is the man making way.

 

The Fijian has been ever present in this season’s campaign, and is yet to miss a match. However, a knee injury sees him ruled out, though as a tactical change, it a good one anyway.

 

Shanklin will pose a much stronger defence against the reigning champs, and is also far better under the high ball (or any height ball for that matter) than the 5ft 7” flyer.

 

As for the bench, well just one change there too from the side that ran home convincing winners over London Irish last weekend.

 

5-try Wales’ 7’s hero, Thomas James, returns home from Dubai and takes his place in the dugout. If he comes on, James will earn his first Heineken Cup cap, the only player in the squad without European experience.

 

Ben Blair; Tom Shanklin, Jamie Robinson, Marc Stcherbina, Chris Czekaj; Nick Robinson, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, T Rhys Thomas, Taufaao Filise, Deiniol Jones, James Goode, Scott Morgan, Martyn Williams, Xavier Rush (capt).

John Yapp, Duane Goodfield, Bradley Davies, Mark Lewis, Ed Fairhurst, Nick Macleod, Tom James.

 

Munster have not named their side.