Blues Face Biggest Derby
Blues Face Biggest Derby
By A
April 1 2011
Ospreys boss Sean Holley has added to the hype surrounding tomorrows Magners League match, claiming it to be the biggest Welsh Derby in regional history.
With Wales’ two flag bearers currently sitting in 4th and 5th, both sides know a win is crucial if they harvest ambitions of reaching the Play-offs. Holley told BBC Wales,
"In the context of the season, as it is now, then possibly it is [the biggest Welsh derby in the history of the Magners. There is a lot at stake in this one now. Clearly the Magners play-offs is the thing that is at the front of everybody's mind."
Despite not being the nearest geographically, the Blues and Ospreys have enjoyed a fierce rivalry since the early years of regional rugby, as the pair scrapped for their European futures.
However both sides have developed into formidable teams, and last year saw Wales’ most successful club season as Swansea-based region lifted the Magners League at Leinster and Cardiff Blues won the Amlin Challenge Cup.
But despite this, all four Welsh sides have had seasons to forget this year, with no side left in any European competition.
“It's probably seen as a must-win game for both teams. With the Blues losing at home last week [to Munster] it's probably a game they feel they have to win. Likewise, we [lost] up in Edinburgh [last Saturday] and we want to put that right straight away, so [it's a] massive game. I just hope there is going to be a good turn out for it and it's a great occasion."
The Blues are boosted by the return of Richie Rees from a long-term suspension, while Tom James is also fit to replace Richard Mustoe. Dan Parks is given the nod ahead of Ceri Sweeney, despite the former enduring a fairly torrid season at his new club.
15 Chris Czekaj 14 Leigh Halfpenny 13 Casey Laulala 12 Jamie Roberts 11 Tom James 10 Dan Parks 9 Richie Rees
8 Xavier Rush 7 Martyn Williams 6 Andries Pretorius 5 Paul Tito (c) 4 Bradley Davies 3 Scott Andrews 2 Gareth Williams 1 Fau Filise
16 Rhys Williams 17 Sam Hobbs 18 Nathan Trevett 19 Michael Paterson 20 Mamma Molitika 21 Lloyd Williams 22 Ceri Sweeney 23 Dafydd Hewitt
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Think we might struggle up front a bit.
Good to see Richie back.
Give me strength.
Apart from his boot he bought nothing to a game of rugby and this season even his boot has been 5hit
-----
Cymru am Byth...
Quote:Rust Sef
Parks!!
Give me strength.
Apart from his boot he bought nothing to a game of rugby and this season even his boot has been 5hit
Totally agree he has been $hit at what he supposedly does well. He tried to actually run with ball in hand against Munster for the first time in 2010/11, got turned over and gave away a penalty.
Dan Parks