Xav Set For Blues Return

Cardiff Blues fans have been handed a massive boost ahead of the final two Heineken Cup Pool matches with Gloucester and Calvisano, with the news that Xavier Rush will be making a comeback in this Saturday’s Magner’s League match at Leinster.

The Kiwi Number 8 has managed just 40 minutes since the start of the campaign, having damaged his knee-cap in pre-season training. His only appearance came during the first half of the Magner's League match with Connacht, however it looks as though he'll be ready to feature in this weekend's contest.

In his absence, Andy Powell has established himself as a fully-fledged Welsh international, but Dai Young is under no illusions as to the impact Rush will provide on his return,

"Xavier is back in training and should be pushing for some involvement in the Leinster game. Then hopefully he will be ready for selection for the Heineken Cup games. We've done well without him but there is no doubt he will give the squad a massive lift." 

There's more good news as Jamie Roberts also looks likely to be back in action in time for the huge trip to Kingsholm against Gloucester. The young utility back fractured his skull in Wales' victory over Australia in the Autumn Internationals, the Cardiff-born star famously set up Wales' opening try after suffering the injury in a clash with Sterling Mortlock.

However, Ben Blair will not be present, the full back broke a small bone in his hand during a try saving tackle on Lee Bryne in the New Years Eve clash with the Ospreys. It's thought he'll be out of action for around four weeks, Leigh Halfpenny the man likely to step in during Blair's absence.

Cardiff face Gloucester on Sunday 18^th January in the 5^th round of this years European Cup.