The Unofficial Blues Team Vs Toulouse
The Unofficial Blues Team
By Andrew Collins
April 2 2008
It’s beginning to look as though 22-year old outside half, Dai Flanagan WILL start the match on Sunday, ahead on Nick Robinson, who will be available on the bench! Robinson returned to action last weekend, playing 20 minutes as a sub, making his first appearance in 5 months, but it now looks as though that isn’t enough time to convince Dai Young.
Flanagan was at the heart of all the Blues attacking play against Edinburgh last weekend, as Cardiff ran riot in a 3 tries to 0, full time score of 20-0 stuffing in the home of Scottish rugby. He has also been ever present in the regions Heineken Cup run, playing 80 minutes against Bristol (H), Harlequins (A) as well as Stade Francais (H), all of which were preceded by a 49 minute appearance at Welford Road in the EDF Cup against finalists Leicester and followed by a famous win at Bath.
But despite that, the Cefn Hengoed man was not expected o start the match, with Nick Robinson the only tried and tested, and international fly half in the Blues squad. Having been deemed fit to start against Edinburgh, and making a 20 minute cameo at the end of the match, nearly every Cardiff fan would've expected Robinson to take back the No.10 shirt for the daunting trip to France.
However, sources close to Dai Young believe that it is Flanagan who will start the match. With Young set to name his side on Friday, nothing will be confirmed until then, but supposedly reliable sources have the team as follows;
B. Blair, J. Roberts, T. Shanklin, G. Thomas, T. James, D. Flanagan, J. Spice; G. Jenkins, G. Wiliams, T. Filise, D. Jones, P. Tito, M. Molitika, M. Williams, X. Rush
J. Yapp, R. Thomas, S. Morgan, B. White, R. Rees, N Robinson, J Robinson
The confusing thing about this decision, is that bringing Nick Robinson on is a bigger risk than starting him. If Robinson were to start at 10 and either have a shocker or re-injure himself, it would be a shame, but Flanagan would be able to come on. However, if it turns out the other way around, we will be facing the prospect of once again being away in France, with Jason Spice at outside half!
Also, during all of Cardiff's matches with Flanagan at fly half, we have had to completely change our defensive tactics to protect him, with Xavier taking the outside half spot in defence, and Flanagan being ushered out to the blindside wing. Whether this tactic will work against a team as good as Toulouse, remains to be seen.
However, this does look 99% certain to be the side announced on Friday, so Flanagan best be on top of his game. He has shown glimpses of what he can do, hopefully Young's confidence in the young stand off will be repaid.
Keep it with the theArmsPark.co.uk for the latest new ahead of the Sunday Showdown.
Before everyone starts slating Flanagan, remember that he was instrumental in the Blues qualifying in the 1st place and as the article states, seemed to run the show up in Edinburgh.
If Dai Young is not completely confident in Flanagan, he should have started Nick Robinson in the Edinburgh match and see how long he could have lasted. I dont think 20 mins of match rugby in 5 months is enough for Robinson.
Dai Flanagan has already been exposed to the trials of the HC this season and done well.
He's a good player thats come through the regional system.
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