Blues Field Weakened Team... Again

Once again, the Cardiff Blues and their fellow regional clubs have been hit by international call-ups, meaning they will be without the likes of Lloyd Williams, Gethin Jenkins and Sam Warburton.

The Blues welcomed back their World Cup heroes only 3 weeks ago, and in which time they’ve played two Heineken Cup matches, claiming victory in both.

But as this disrupted season continues, Wales call ups mean the Blues will be without Williams, Jenkins, Warburton, Halfpenny, Bradley Davies  and Jamie Roberts – all away with Wales during the World Cup – as well Scott Andrews and debutant Alex Cuthbert. On top of these, Martyn Williams, Gavin Henson, Andires Pretorius, James Downs, Deiniol Jones and Xavier Rush are all injured, joining a growing list of absentees.

This is because Wales will take on Australia, in a watered-down re-match of the Third-Fourth place play-offs.

Of course there’s nothing new about Wales having Autumn International fixtures around this time of year, and the WRU’s finance package which it pays the regions covers the cost of missing players. But let’s be very honest, it massively devalues regional season tickets.

While Aironi never draws a huge crowd, the lack of International/World Cup stars, coupled with the sizeable injury list, the Thursday night kick off and the fact the game is televised live all adds up to a losing formula.

And though we may have it bad, spare a thought for the Scarlets, whose local derby with Newport Gwent Dragons has been plagued by the Wales Vs Australia fixture. What would’ve been a massive gate for the Scarlets will now surely be yet another poor attendance.

However, there are positives to be taken out of this, like the fact that despite missing 14 experienced, first choice players, the Blues starting XV still looks capable of winning and will go into the match as favourites. Admittedly, Aironi aren’t playing well at the moment – no tries in their last 4 games for example – but it is encouraging to see such a good level of depth in the squad.

New Zealanders Paul Tito and Michael Patterson will lead by example in a side that still boasts plenty of experience. Welsh internationals Chris Czekaj, Gavin Evans, Richie Rees, John Yapp and Rhys Thomas add great flair to a decent-looking back-line, led by the rejuvenated Dan Parks.

Even the bench looks solid given the sheer amount of missing players. The very promising trio of Sam Hobbs, Wales U20’s captain Macauley Cook and Ellis Jenkins are joined by Ceri Sweeney and Casey Laulala.

Chris Czekaj; Richard Mustoe, Gavin Evans, Dafydd Hewitt, Tom James; Dan Parks, Richie Rees; John Yapp, Rhys Thomas, Taufaao Filise, Cory Hill, Paul Tito (capt), Michael Paterson, Josh Navidi, Maama Molitika.

Marc Breeze, Nathan Trevett, Sam Hobbs, Macauley Cook, Ellis Jenkins, Lewis Jones, Ceri Sweeney, Casey Laulala.