Ulster game “is a step up”
Scott Andrews
By
September 15 2011
Having begun the season claiming maximum points against Edinburgh and Treviso, the Blues fans couldn’t have asked for any more. But Scott Andrews and his squad know they face a much sterner challenge against Ulster.
"Obviously we got maximum points from our opening two games, so it's been the perfect start [however] we lost to Ulster twice quite heavily last season, so taking nothing away from Edinburgh and Treviso, it's definitely a step up and a difficult challenge."
Despite narrowly missing out on Wales’ World Cup squad, Andrews has hit the ground running at the start of the new season, but he attributes his form more to the new coaching set up at the Blues than his experiences with Wales.
"We're playing a different style of rugby, with a bit more width to our game and forwards playing with ball in hand, with a lot more skill required from the forwards, so hopefully we can continue that."
"I think it's a style of play that the boys enjoy. Much as the front five do the hard work they do enjoy having the ball in hand and I think the whole squad enjoy playing that style and are buying into it."
The Blues will be looking to improve on their fine recent Ravenhill form, having won 3 of their last 4 visits to the intimidating ground. However, Ulster turned that stat on its head last season, beating the capitol region in both home and away league matches.
There’s good news in that Xavier Rush came through his 25 minutes againt Treviso on Sunday and starts at number 8 against the side he agreed to sign for 2 years ago. However, he won’t be joined in the back row by Player of the Season Pretorius, who has a knee injury.
Ceri Sweeney returns to stand off following Gareth Davies’ accomplished performance last week, but finds a new half back partner in Lewis Jones who made his regional debut against Treviso.
Elsewhere, the very impressive Alex Cuthbert keeps his place on the wing, while Daf Hewitt is replaced by Casey Laulala. In the backs, Chris Czekaj, Gavin Evans and Blues all-time top try scorer Tom James are the only players to start all three games.
15. Chris Czekaj 14. Alex Cuthbert 13. Casey Laulala 12. Gavin Evans 11. Tom James 10. Ceri Sweeney 9. Lewis Jones
8. Xavier Rush 7. Martyn Williams 6. Maama Molitika 5. Paul Tito (c) 4. Michael Paterson 3. Scott Andrews 2. T Rhys Thomas 1. Sam Hobbs
16. Rhys Williams 17. Nathan Trevett 18. James Monck 19. James Down 20. Thomas Young 21. Richie Rees 22. Rhys Patchell 23. Dafydd Hewitt
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Cymru am Byth...
Good first 15 though, should be close.
Half these players should be shot, the breakdown is a mess despite our 'experienced' forwards.
Czekaj, James and Molitika are the only guys playing in the last 3 games.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:09:16:23:36:19 by wales606.
We looked very poor, worrying so in fact. Clueless, lack of direction and seemingly no tactics. Didn't play the wind right in either half and the defence was shambollic!
Injruies look a worry too. James went off with calf injury I believe which is a bid shame as he's started the season well.
Molly, Hewitt and Czekaj the only players who bothered to turn up.
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Still, we're spared a "Sweeney really gets the backline moving" theme this week.
SHOCKING.
Cardiff looked like they were moving through treacle at times. No direction from 9 or 10 and poor again in the contact area.
After two easy bonus point wins the coaches have their work cut out now.
If we hit a bad run during the rest of the World Cup I can see the coaching team having a short run in charge..................
................Graham Henry to take over after winning the WC??
Dare 2B Different - Dare2bBlue
Certainly gives Navidi and Young a chance. Hopefully Dave is back for Munster.
Quote:cardifflose
Casey looked like he was dreaming on next season and Toulouse already!!!!
Indeed.