Toulouse 15 - 17 Cardiff Blues
Fri 20 October 21:00 Stade Ernest Wallon Att: 12,245 Ref: Thomas Foley European Challenge Cup

Preview: Stade Toulousain v Cardiff Blues

Fri 20 Oct 2017 10:45 Preview: Stade Toulousain v Cardiff Blues
Following last week’s bonus point victory over Top 14 leaders, Lyon, Danny Wilson’s side travel to the south of France to take on the four-time Heineken Cup winners, who drew 20-20 at Sale Sharks in the opening round of games.

Kristian Dacey captains the side as one of six changes in the pack, while Lloyd Williams is in line to make his 150th appearance for the region, returning to the matchday squad and taking his place on the bench.

Corey Domachowski retains his place on the loosehead, with Taufa’ao Filise coming in to replace Dillon Lewis on the tighthead. 

A revamped second row sees Damian Welch and James Down combine for the first time this season. Josh Navidi and Nick Williams also come into the line-up in the back row, with the backline remaining unchanged.

Seb Davies, Olly Robinson and Willis Halaholo are also named amongst the replacements.

Toulouse have named nine internationals in their matchday squad, as they make eight changes to the side that drew against Sale Sharks last week.

France international duo Jean-Marc Doussain and Antoine Dupont cominbe at half-back, while Gael Fickou replaces fellow Les Bleus team-mate Yoann Huget in the backline.

Leonardo Ghiraldini, capped 86-times by Italy, is part of a new-look front row, while experience lock Yoann Masteri is the only change in the boiler room.

Fiji Sevens’ Olympic gold medal winner, Semi Kuntani, retains his place on the blindside, while another French international, Sebastien Bezy, is named on the bench.

What They Said

Lloyd Williams, speaking ahead of his 150th appearance, reflected on his past victories over Toulon and Racing 92, and hopes his side can pull off a similar upset tonight.

"I'll be really honoured to have my 150th cap for the region, but it will be even better if we get the win," said Williams.

"I'm chuffed to get that milestone on the weekend and want to enjoy my time here, so I'm glad I finally got there.

"The Toulon home game stands out, when they were top of their game. That was huge for us. We're a tight bunch of boys here and I remember it being a brilliant game, so that one sticks out for me.

"There's been plenty of highlights over the years and they're all memorable for me. There's a lot of memories. My first European match was against Racing Metro, which was huge as well.

"I've had some pretty big games which I've been lucky to be involved in and hopefully that can continue with another French victory this weekend. Hopefully there will be plenty of these opportunities to come.”
Meanwhile, prop Corey Domachowski, who signed his first professional contract with the region earlier in the week, is looking forward to testing himself against Toulouse, after making his first Cardiff Blues start away at Pau last season.

"We've spoken all week about how physical the French teams are," said Domachowski.

"They'll look to bring it to us up front, and whether they play their starting team or the boys that don't regularly play, we know they've got strength in depth and we're looking for a big challenge.

"I've played out in France against Pau during last season's Challenge Cup. It was a tough game, so I know what to expect this time around."
 
Toulouse: Maxime Médard; Wandile Mjekevu, Jarrod Poi, Gael Fickou, Sofiane Guitoune; Jean-Marc Doussain, Antoine Dupont; Gillian Galan, Francois Cros, Semi Kunatani, Yoann Maestri, Piula Faasalele, Dorian Aldegheri, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Rodrigue Neti

Replacements: David Roumieu, Clément Castets, Maks Van Dyk, Florian Verhaeghe, Rynhardt Elstadt, Sébastien Bézy, Romain Ntamack, Lucas Tauzin

Cardiff Blues: Matthew Morgan; Alex Cuthbert, Rey Lee-Lo, Garyn Smith, Blaine Scully; Jarrod Evans, Tomos Williams; Corey Domachowski, Kristian Dacey (capt), Taufa'ao Filise, James Down, Damian Welch, Macauley Cook, Josh Navidi, Nick Williams.

Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Brad Thyer, Dillon Lewis, Seb Davies, Olly Robinson, Lloyd Williams, Steve Shingler, Willis Halaholo.