Leinster v Blues

Leinster team named for tmorrow's game:

Leinster v Cardiff Blues, RDS, 26 September 2014 (KO 7.35pm)

15. Rob Kearney
14. Fergus McFadden
13. Gordon D'Arcy
12. Ian Madigan
11. Darragh Fanning
10. Jimmy Gopperth
9. Eoin Reddan
1. Michael Bent
2. Sean Cronin
3. Marty Moore
4. Devin Toner
5. Kane Douglas
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Dominic Ryan
8. Jamie Heaslip CAPTAIN

Replacements

16. Bryan Byrne
17. Ed Byrne
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. Mike McCarthy
20. Jack Conan
21. Luke McGrath
22. Steve Crosbie
23. Mick McGrath


Any news on the Blues' team?

From our website:

Hooker Kristian Dacey will make his 50th appearance and wing George Watkins his debut as Cardiff Blues face Leinster Rugby at the RDS in the Guinness PRO12 on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm).

Milestone man Dacey is one of seven changes made by Director of Rugby Mark Hammett as Blues look for a return to winning ways at the home of the reigning league champions in Dublin.

Wales international prop Gethin Jenkins will make his first league appearance of the season alongside Dacey in the front row.

Two further call-ups in the pack see lock Chris Dicomidis set for his first start of the campaign while flanker Sam Warburton returns in the back row. Josh Navidi moves to Number Eight and will captain the team.

Centres Cory Allen and Dafydd Hewitt are both named in the starting line-up while winger Watkins is rewarded for his stunning recent form for Cardiff RFC, where he has scored five tries in two games, with a start out wide.

A powerful bench includes hooker Matthew Rees, back row Manoa Vosawai and scrum half Tavis Knoyle who could also make his league debut for Blues. Lock Filo Paulo and centre Gavin Evans both miss the game through injury.

"Leinster are the champions for a reason and they have an extremely strong side and very powerful squad," said Hammett.

"We are all certainly looking forward to the challenge that we will face over in Dublin. The atmosphere will be big over there and we got have to be ready for that.

"We are working exceptionally hard every week in training to improve and I felt our attack was much better last week against Ulster.

"But we are not finishing our chances when they are there, and we certainly created some good opportunities and drew penalties last week. We now need to get across the line and show that clinical edge against a well drilled and talented Leinster side."

Cardiff Blues: 15 Rhys Patchell, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Cory Allen, 12 Dafydd Hewitt, 11 George Watkins, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Lewis Jones; 1 Gethin Jenkins, 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Adam Jones, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Chris Dicomidis, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Sam Warburton, 8 Josh Navidi (c)

Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Sam Hobbs, 18 Taufa'ao Filise, 19 Macauley Cook, 20 Manoa Vosawai, 21Tavis Knoyle, 22 Adam Thomas, 23 Dan Fish

That is a good blues team, and Leinster are not putting out their best team. This could be a lot closer than expected.

Wish I'd been able to stay out in Dublin long enough to go to this. I can only see one result, mind.

I like that Blues team but they must be desperate for a Anscombe if they keep playing Patchell at 15, either that or they dont have faith in Dan Fish.

Josh Navidi at 8? Could work, but naturally hes an openside, but thats a decent backrow if theyre on form.

Nice to see George Watkins get a start, hes in try scoring form and I haven't seen him play yet, same with Tavis Knoyle - anyone know how hes been playing since leaving Glaws?

IronMike wrote:I like that Blues team but they must be desperate for a Anscombe if they keep playing Patchell at 15, either that or they dont have faith in Dan Fish.

Josh Navidi at 8? Could work, but naturally hes an openside, but thats a decent backrow if theyre on form.

Nice to see George Watkins get a start, hes in try scoring form and I haven't seen him play yet, same with Tavis Knoyle - anyone know how hes been playing since leaving Glaws?

I don't. Got Tim Wales etched all over it like an irritating rash. This Anscombe bloke isn't yur yet and when he does arrive, let him earn his spurs I say. Patchell should be our 10 for now and he's been raved about as being the future dogs, so why move him to 15 now? Winds me up. Anyway, good to see Dave Lee and our very own George get a look in mind ewe.

Are both Jack McGrath and Healy injured?

McGrath has a niggle and should be back next week.Healy is gone until Christmas maybe longer if the rumours are correct.

Really excited to see Watkins. Unsure about Navidi at 8. I don't doubt his commitment or courage but he is one of the lightest forward in the league. He played all of his rugby in NZ at 8. So hopefully he'll be solid. We should be strong at the breakdown with him and Sam on the park.

Mick McGrath looks to be quite a find.

Rhys Ruddock is in some form.

Did Navidi really play at 8? The Blues signed Ieuan Jones from us (Dragons) he's a natural 8 is he injured?

bedfordwelsh wrote:Did Navidi really play at 8?  The Blues signed Ieuan Jones from us (Dragons) he's a natural 8 is he injured?

On the bench for the 2nds;

http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/223221