Something’s Got To Give

When London Irish visit the Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, one team will lose their 100% start this year’s European campaign, with both having won their first two matches.

The Blues welcome back Alex Cuthbert and Gethin Jenkins, who both enjoyed a successful Autumn series with Wales, however national captain Sam Warburton is rested.

Jenkins starts as part of a seasoned front row, alongside Lions team mates Matthew Rees and Adam Jones, however despite their huge wealth of experience, the trio have come under scrutiny for their regional performances. Rees, who captains the side, is being put under intense pressure for the starting spot by the free-scoring Kristian Dacey, while Adam Jones’ exclusion from Wales’ autumn squad speaks volumes in a World Cup year. Irish will present a stern challenge up front, especially with their well drilled rolling mauls, and whoever comes out top of the props could have a huge bearing on who wins the match.

Elsewhere, there’s a second disappointing omission in the back row with the Supporter’s Club Player of Month for October, Manoa Vosawai, on the bench. The Fijian-born Italian international has been one of few positives so far this season, but went off early in the loss to Edinburgh and missed last week’s victory against his former side, Treviso. Many fans will be delighted to see Macauley Cook at 6, while Ellis Jenkins and Josh Navidi complete a hardworking, but lightweight back row.  

Gareth Anscombe has suitably recovered from a dead leg to start at outside half, and though he has impressed in patches, he will need to step up his game considerably from his opening two outings if the home side are going to get the crucial victory. No doubt it’s early days for the Kiwi, and the long-term signs are promising, however his 40 minutes against Treviso – which included a handful of missed tackles, a few poor grubber kicks and a charge down - was indifferent at best. The pace of European rugby will be a considerable step up from last week, so the pressure will be certainly on Anscombe.

After their loss at Edinburgh, Cardiff’s league campaign already looks in tatters for this year, which puts added emphasis on the two remaining cup competitions. Two losses in the back-to-back matches could signal the end of their European challenge, so Hammett’s men know they need to get a victory at the Arms Park to keep their season alive.

Fans are advised to get their tickets early, with large numbers of travelling fans expected for the Saturday afternoon (3.15pm) kick off.

1 Gethin Jenkins, 2 Matthew Rees (c), 3 Adam Jones, 4 Filo Paulo, 5 Josh Turnbull, 6 Macauley Cook, 7 Ellis Jenkins, 8 Josh Navid

15 Adam Thomas, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Cory Allen, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Richard Smith, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Lloyd Williams;

Replacements: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Sam Hobbs, 18 Craig Mitchell, 19 Rory Watts-Jones, 20 Manoa Vosawai, 21 Lewis Jones, 22 Gareth Davies, 23 Dan Fish