By Zippy
May 5 2004

The Celtic Warriors take on the Cardiff Blues in a vital derby match on Friday night, both sides need a win but a loss for Cardiff will condemn them to the Parker Pen Shield next season. For team news and opinion read on.

Warriors News: Kev Morgan sustained a knee injury in the Edinburgh game and does not play with Gareth Thomas moving to 15 in his last home game for the Warriors. Brent Cockbain comes back into the 2nd row. Lyn Howells remains undecided to who plays in the half back positions.

Warriors: (from) G Thomas, D James, S Parker, J Bryant, G Thomas (capt), N Jenkins/C Sweeney, S Martens/G Cooper; G Jenkins, M Davies, C Horsman, B Cockbain, R Sidoli, R Parks, R Bryan, C Harris, M Molitika.

Blues News: 2 changes from the team that hammered Munster, Ryan Powell is injured and is replaced by Dean Dewdney who I have not see play scrum half before. Young hooker Rhys Thomas gets a chance at hooker.

Blues: R Williams, T Shanklin, J Robinson, I Harris, C Morgan, N Robinson, D Dewdney, J Yapp, R Thomas, B Evans, H Senekal, J Brownrigg, D Baugh, M Williams (capt), N Thomas.

Replacements: tbc

Review of the Blues team:
Backs - Argubly the most exciting in Wales, internationals all round and given the ball can destroy any side.
This season Rhys Williams has returned to form and Tom Shanklin has been exceptional. Jamie Robinson at 13 has had a great season with some match winning performances but still chucks in the odd howler. The half backs are very young but talented.
Craig Morgan and Iestyn Harris both have world class ability but have not shown it too often this season.

Pack - The area that has let the Blues down most this season, there are some exceptions, John Yapp has shone at loosehead, Ben Evans has shown consistency and Martin Williams is world class.
At hooker Gareth Williams has been out injured for most of the season whic is a shame cause he has real talent.
The second row is the problems area Craig Quinnell lacks the fitness needed in the modern game, and Senekal and Brownrigg are no better than journeymen. Andy Moore who has been injured has the ability but has he suffered one injury too many? Dan Baugh shows signs of age, Rob Appleyard and Nathan Thomas have been Poor.
They will look to strengthen in the summer.

Zippy Prediction: Warriors by 5