Dai Names Final Side for Leeds

Xavier Rush
By Andrew Collins
October 21 2005

Dai Young has named his final side to face Leeds Tykes in the Heineken Cup on Saturday. 4 places are still to be confirmed, as players battle to be fit for the European opener.

The biggest shock in the side is the missing Xavier Rush at number 8. Rush has undoubtably been the Blues one outstanding performer in the last two matches, and has made a real impact in all of his 3 appearences.

The Blues have since announced he injured a shoulder in last weeks Leinster defeat, but insist he will be back for Perpignan away.

Instead, previously rested Andy Powell wears 8, and is joined either Martyn Williams and Robin Sowden-Taylor. Kort Schubert is on the bench as Mamma Molitika failed a late fitness test.

Another of the four previously unfilled positions, inside centre goes to Marc Strchabina with Trystan Davies on the bench. Stitch will play next to Jamie Robinson. Davies is joined on the bench by Lee Thomas, who doesn't seem to be getting a fair go at the 12 shirt.

The other confirmed starter is Craig Quinnell with Deiniol Jones on the bench..

In other positions, Martyn Jones replaces Ben Evens, and Gareth Williams starts over Thomas Rhys Thomas despite a poor showing against Leinster.

Mike Phillips and Nicky Robinson continue their partnership over 2 matches for the first time all season. The Czekaj, Morgan, Williams trio keep their positions also.

The final teem sheet has now been finalised for both teams.

Tristan Davies will be hopefull to make an appearence against his former club, but familiar faces return to Arms Park too, with former flanker Nathan Thomas making the Leeds line-up. Former warrior Rhichard Parks is also a starter.

In other Leeds news, New Zealander, Justin Marshall will start his first Heineken Cup match at the Arms Park, and will be looking to get the best of Martyn, Robin and Mike around the scrum. It's a great contest for fans to watch, one which the Blues will hope to come out on top.

Talking on his selection, Dai Young joked,

"We're actually having selection meetings these days, which are a new experience for me. Usually we just pick the 22 players who are not injured."

and went on to say,

"I think we can do a job on the likes of Calvisano and Leeds and Perpignan, but I'm pretty sure that the Calvisano coaches are rubbing their hands together, thinking they can do a job on us."

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Final Team
Rhys Williams (C), Chris Czekaj, Jamie Robinson, Marc Stcherbina, Craig Morgan, Nicky Robinson, Mike Phillips, John Yapp, Gareth Williams, Martin Jones, Craig Quinnell, Robert Sidoli, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Martyn Williams, Andy Powell

Ben Evans, Rhys Thomas, Deiniol Jones, Kort Schubert, Ryan Powell, Trystan Davies, Lee Thomas

Leeds
Tim Stimpson, Andre Snyman, Rob vickerman, Chris Jones, Tom Biggs, Gordon Ross, Justin Marshall (C), Gavin Kerr, Gordon Bulloch, Rayno Gerber, Scott Morgan, Tom Palmer, Nathan Thomas, Jordan Crane, Richard Parks

James Isaacson, Rob Rawlinson, Chris Murphy, Dan Hyde, Danny Care, Roland De Marigny, David Doherty

The match kicks off at 1.00pm on Saturday 22nd at the Arms Park.