Jamie Robinson returns but Nicky out

Jamie Robinson returns to the Cardiff Blues team to face Bristol in the opening match of this year's Heineken Cup tournament.

The team shows four changes from the starting XV that lost to Leicester last Saturday. In the backs Jamie Robinson comes in at outside centre with Gareth Thomas moving to the wing in place of the injured Jamie Roberts. Jason Spice comes in for Richie Rees, and Dai Flanagan comes in for Nicky Robinson who has failed to recover from a hip muscle injury sustained against Leicester.

In the forwards the front row that performed strongly in Leicester remains the same as does the back-row. The only change in the pack sees Deiniol Jones coming into the second row in place of Bradley Davies.

The Blues are expecting a large crowd for the game. Stand tickets for the match are severely limited, with only a handful remaining. Terrace tickets are available at £15 for adults and £5 for juniors. There are some family stand tickets available at the same price. Tickets can be purchased 24 hours a day with real time seat selection with all major credit cards at www.cardiffblues.com or by calling the ticket office on 029 2030 2030

Speaking ahead of the match Cardiff Blues Director of Coaching David Young said,

"The Heineken Cup is always a tournament we look forward to playing in and yardstick by which we get measured. There's a big focus by the players, fans and media alike on the tournament."

"It's not a bad draw for us, there are no easy groups, but it probably isn't as difficult as we had last year. We're not saying it's an easy group, but we are aware we could have had lot tougher draws."

"I think Bristol are very physical up front and play a very direct game with a very aggressive defence and I'm sure we will have a packed stadium as they will bring a lot of travelling support."

"Every year we've improved in the Heineken Cup and closed the gap on some of the bigger teams we've played."

"I think we pushed the big boys really close last year and this year we have a slightly better draw. We've got to be at our best to get out of the group and that has to be our focus."
added David Young.

There is another big event on this week with the Supporters' Club holding their player of the year night on Friday 9 November at 7.30 in the Arms Park clubhouse. The following players will be presented with their trophies on the evening: Ben Blair - Player of the year. Bradley Davies - Young player of the year. Tom James - First cap for Wales. Scott Morgan - First cap for Wales. Nicky Robinson - 1,000 points for Cardiff and Blues. Jamie Roberts - Cardiff RFC player of the year. Tickets are £ 5 and will be available on the door.

Cardiff Blues

15 Ben Blair
14 Tom James
13 Jamie Robinson
12 Tom Shanklin
11 Gareth Thomas
10 Dai Flanagan
9 Jason Spice
8 Xavier Rush (c)
7 Martyn Williams
6 Maama Molitka
5 Paul Tito
4 Deiniol Jones
3 Taufa'ao Filise
2 Gareth Williams
1 John Yapp

16 Gethin Jenkins
17 T Rhys Thomas
18 Robert Sidoli
19 Scott Morgan
20 Richie Rees
21 Tal Selley
22 Rhys Williams