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Blues Vs Leinster Is On

Blues Vs Leinster Is On
By Andrew Collins September 6 2008
Cardiff Blues first game of the season today against Leinster is ON. The Blues grounds man has been able to confirm that despite heavy amounts of rainfall over the past few days, the pitch is in a playable condition.

The match will see Magner's League winners Leinster, taking on the 2nd place side of the last to seasons in the Welsh capital, as a cracking opener to the new season.

It's Cardiff Blues' last ever opening match of the season at the Arms Park, as this time next year, they will be preparing for life at Leckwith in a ground rental deal with Cardiff City.

Cardiff take on a strong Leinster side, which features the likes of Felipe Contepomi, Brain O'Driscoll, Shane Horgan as well as new signing, Isa Necewa.

The Blues however are in a far worse situation, missing talisman and former Captain, Xavier Rush, Magner's League Top Try Scorer of last season, Tom James, Lions Captain, Gareth Thomas and the record Blues cap holder, Deiniol Jones.

There is good news however, as wing Chris Czekaj makes his first start in competitive action since the horrific leg break that kept him out for 14 months. He is joined on the wing by new signing Richard Mustoe, the only of three new players in the starting line up, Ceri Sweeney on the bench while Aled Brew is not in the squad.

However, Dai Young has compared the switch of Jamie Roberts from full back to centre to that of a new signing, the highly talented medicine student pairs up in midfield with Tom Shanklin, the latter being able to play in his favoured outside centre role.

Elsewhere it's as would be expected for the home side, Spice partners Nicky Robinson at half back with Ben Blair at full back.

Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams and Tao' Felise make up a strong front row, with new captain Paul Tito at lock with the huge figure of Bradley Davies - tipped by many for big things this year.

Player's Player of the Year, Maama Molitika is joined by Martyn William and Andy Powell in the back row.

Kick off for the match is 6.30pm.

Cardiff
Ben Blair; Richard Mustoe, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Chris Czekaj; Nicky Robinson, Jason Spice; Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Taufa'ao Filise, Bradley Davies, Paul Tito (Capt), Mamma Molitika, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams.

Gary Powell, T. Rhys Thomas, Scott Morgan, Ben White, Darren Allinson, Ceri Sweeney, Jamie Robinson.

Leinster                                                         
Isa Nacewa; Shane Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll , Felipe Contepomi, Rob Kearney; Jonathan Sexton, Chris Whitaker (Capt); Cian Healy, Bernard Jackman, Ronan McCormack, Devin Toner, Malcolm O'Kelly, Cameron Jowitt, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip.

John Fogarty, Stephen Knoop, Trevor Hogan, Sean O'Brien, Chris Keane, Luke Fitzgerald, Girvan Dempsey.

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Re: Blues Vs Leinster Is On
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk Admin (IP Logged)
Date: 06/09/2008 11:55

Don't forget to get your predictions in, I've gone for 16-15 to the Blues - although i have a feeling we're actually going to lose this one.

C'mon CAAAAARDIFFFF!

Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!

http://v4admin.sportnetwork.net/upload/170/170_0_1185290791.jpg

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Re: Blues Vs Leinster Is On
Posted by: jenksta (IP Logged)
Date: 06/09/2008 13:33

I dont know about us being in a worse position. They are missing their two really big summer signings. CJVdL and Elsom. They are also without the captain, Leo Cullen and Stan Wright. Their pack is much weaker than it will be in a month!!

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Re: Blues Vs Leinster Is On
Posted by: Alfie 101 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/09/2008 21:12

1 point out with the prediction Admin!!!

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Re: Blues Vs Leinster Is On
Posted by: LeinsterFan (IP Logged)
Date: 07/09/2008 01:03

Good game tonight lads. Cardiff can feel a little bit unlucky not to walk away with all the points on the night as you were the better side, but just glad to get something over there myself!

Anyway, best of luck for the rest of the season and we'll look forward to the return fixture in RDS later in the season smiling smiley

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Re: Blues Vs Leinster Is On
Posted by: ATTR (IP Logged)
Date: 07/09/2008 08:24

Admin. In light of you comments on another thread and the torrential down poor during the last week the pitch was in a superb condition.
Pity the same cannot be said of the performance!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:09:07:08:24:55 by ATTR.

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