EDF Energy Cup - : Blues ready for Sharks Attack

Gareth Thomas in action for Wales in the Rugby World Cup

Blues ready for Sharks Attack

26 October 2007, 9:56 am

Gareth 'Alfie' Thomas starts at inside centre for the Friday night match against the Sale Sharks. The Cardiff Blues kick off the first of the season's EDF Energy Cup matches with a home match against Sale Sharks this Friday, before travelling to Champions Leicester and Bath for the two away fixtures.

The starting XV shows nine changes to the side that defeated Connacht at the Arms Park a fortnight ago. A new back-row sees Xavier Rush, Robin Sodwen-Taylor and Maama Molitika at return. While in the front row, Rhys Thomas starts for the first time and is joined by Gary Powell.

In the backs Jamie Roberts returns to the wing and there is a new partnership at half back, with Jason Spice and Nicky Robinson both returning to the team. Gareth Thomas starts for the first time for the Cardiff Blues at inside centre.

Speaking ahead of the match, Cardiff Blues Director of rugby David Young said, "Sale are one of the strongest teams in the English league and we know they will come here to play some attractive rugby."

"They have some real star players that can cause us problems if we are not right. If we can get a performance like we did against Gloucester at the start of the season we can get the result."

Tickets for the Cardiff Blues v Sale Sharks match are available to purchase on-line or by calling the Ticket Office on 029 2030 2030.

Cardiff Blues

15 Ben Blair
14 Tom James
13 Tom Shanklin
12 Gareth Thomas
11 Jamie Roberts
10 Nicky Robinson
9 Jason Spice

8 Xavier Rush (c)
7 Robin Sowden-Taylor
6 Maama Molitka
5 Paul Tito
4 Deiniol Jones
3 Gary Powell
2 T Rhys Thomas
1 Gethin Jenkins

16 John Yapp
17 Gareth Williams
18 Robert Sidoli
19 Ben White
20 Richie Rees
21 Nick Macleod
22 Rhys Williams