Challenge Cup Round 2

By Andrew Collins
October 23 2014

When the Cardiff Blues face Rovigo in Italy this Saturday, they will do so as huge favourites, a tag which never sits well with the Welsh side…

The Blues claimed all 5 points in the Challenge Cup opener against Grenoble at the Arms Park last weekend, sweeping aside the French club with relative ease. It’s fair to say Grenoble probably don’t intend to take this tournament too seriously, but nonetheless it was a much needed morale-boosting performance and result.

They are odds on favourites to repeat that 5-point feat against Rovigo, who only qualified for the competition after a narrow two-legged victory against Tiblisi Caucasions of Georgia. However the Blues are definitely without Sam Warburton, and could also rest fellow Welsh squad members Alex Cuthbert, Cory Allen and Gethin Jenkins.

London Irish completed a 10-try rout over them last week, winning 70-14, and While the Blues should still be more than capable of getting maximum points, fans will hope the squad don’t underestimate their opponents and miss the opportunity to get their European Cup of to the perfect start.

Hammett is expected to announce his squad tomorrow afternoon, and it will be interesting to see how the Kiwi lays out his team. The only constant of Hammett’s team so far has been change, so expect to see several swaps as he continues to learn about his squad.

This week, he told members of the press that he sees current fly half Rhys Patchell moving to either full back or centre so we may see the youngster take up one of those spots. There may also be a chance for fringe players such as Tavis Knoyle and Dan Fish to make a rare start under the Kiwi, although rumours today suggest that George Watkins has re-joined Bristol while Daf Hewitt is facing months out injured with a slipped disc.

Whoever starts in Italy, it is essential that they build on last week’s performance and ensure we complete the first round of matches with maximum points.