By Web Team
July 14 2003

As the new season approaches, celticwarriors.tk takes a look at what we will be up against over the coming season. This week it is the Cardiff Blues that come under the spotlight.

The Opposition: Cardiff Blues

   When regional rugby was introduced in Wales Cardiff was one of only two teams that were allowed to "stand-alone". Businessman Peter Thomas has provided cash to the team for a number of years which has given them the nickname of "Chequebook Charlies" and this season looks to be no different with no less than eight new signings joining the Cardiff Blues.

The Backs

   Probably the best asset of the Blues is their backline which boasts 6 current Wales internationals. Scrum halves Richard Smith and Ryan Powell have both been capped by Wales which means there will be some fierce competition for the number nine shirt. The two outside halves in the squad are Iestyn Harris who looks set to play in the centre for Wales and Nicky Robinson, an up and coming youngster. However, Iestyn hasn't been overly impressive at outside half and Robinson still lacks the experience of a top quality outside half.

   There also seems to be plenty of pace out wide with Craig Morgan, Nick Walne, Dean Dewdney and new signing Jonathan Vaughton all being part of the Blues squad for the coming season. Internationals Jamie Robinson and Tom Shanklin look set to be the first choice centre pairing for the Blues although with Pieter Muller and Matt Allen as the other options, both Robinson and Shanklin have to impress. Fullbacks in the Blues squad are Donavan Van Vuuren and Rhys Williams. Rhys Williams may have pace but if he wants to be known as a top class full back then there are several areas of his play which will have to improve.

   Overall the Cardiff backs look good in attack but with the World Cup coming up and Iestyn Harris, Jamie Robinson, Tom Shanklin and Rhys Williams all looking certain to be included in the Wales squad Cardiff may have some problems early on in the season.

The Forwards

   In the past couple of years the Cardiff pack has been less than impressive with most teams managing to gain the advantage over them up front. However, this season things may be a little bit different as several key additions are made to the squad. Gareth Williams who was unlucky not to be given a regional contract with the Celtic Warriors will be a key player at hooker for the Blues and the introduction of prop Darren Crompton will strengthen the front row which has been weak in recent years.

   In the second row, the introduction of Craig Quinnell will help give the pack some stability and the signing of Andy Moore should ease the problems which Cardiff have had in the lineout. In the back row Wales Captain Martyn Williams will lead by example and new signing Nathan Thomas should get a place alongside him. Also, Robin Sowden Taylor and Dan McShane impressed towards the end of last season and so they may be able to make more of an impact in this seasons Celtic League

Overall Thoughts and Prediction

     This squad certainly looks stronger than the Cardiff squad of the past couple of seasons and so they should manage to hold their own in the Celtic League. However, everyone loves to hate Cardiff and so our prediction is that they will finish mid table in the Celtic League and not qualify for the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup.

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