Cardiff Blues 16 - 21 Worcester Warriors
Fri 08 November 19:30 Cardiff Arms Park Att: 6,823 Ref: Gwyn Morris Anglo Welsh Cup

Blues team to launch LV=Cup bid

Thu 7 Nov 2013 11:55 Blues team to launch LV=Cup bid
Second row Normandale, a summer recruit for Blues, is named in the starting line-up while outside half Humberstone, who has impressed for Pontypridd all season, is named among the replacements.

Blues make a total of six changes - all to the pack - to the side that defeated Benetton Treviso in the league, with a total of 20 players currently unavailable through international call-ups or injury.

A new-look front row sees props and Tom Davies and Benoit Bourrust pack down alongside hooker Kristian Dacey.

Normandale and James Down form the second row while back row call-ups for Macauley Cook and Thomas Young will see them join forces with captain Andries Pretorius.

Rhys Williams, Luke Hamilton and fit-again Gavin Evans are named among the replacements.

Ten players miss the game through international selection while Alex Cuthbert, Tom Pascoe, Ellis Jenkins, Robin Copeland, Josh Navidi, Marc Breeze, Aled Summerhill, Ben Roach and Harry Robinson all are out with injuries.

Blues have also confirmed that lock Lou Reed requires surgery to his toe, after picking up an injury against Benetton Treviso, and will have an extended period on the sidelines.

Defence Coach Dale McIntosh said: “This is the best possible team we can select for this fixture and we are excited by the line-up and want to start with a win. We are utilising our resources and squad and have to make sure they can step up to the mark.

“All these players are here for a reason, because they deserve to put the Blues jersey on. But every time they do that they have got to prove to us, and themselves, that they are capable or representing the region.

“This competition is about youngsters having an opportunity and them understanding the philosophy behind the jersey. You can train hard all week but you have got to be able to handle the pressure when you play.”

Tickets remain on sale for the clash with Worcester Warriors. Call the Ticket Office on 02920 302030 or click HERE

Blues: 15 Dan Fish, 14 Tom Williams, 13 Richard Smith, 12 Dafydd Hewitt, 11 Chris Czekaj, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Lewis Jones; 1 Tom Davies, 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Benoit Bourrust, 4 Miles Normandale, 5 James Down, 6 Macauley Cook, 7 Thomas Young, 8 Andries Pretorius (c)

Replacements: 16 Rhys Williams, 17 Sam Hobbs, 18 Taufa’ao Filise, 19 Luke Hamilton, 20 Rory Watts-Jones, 21 Alex Walker, 22 Simon Humberstone, 23 Gavin Evans