Cardiff Blues v Newport Gwent Dragons
Tuesday 1st May 2007, Kick Off 7.10pm
Arms Park, Cardiff
Introduction
The Dragons have the opportunity to spoil the Blues Magners League campaign on Tuesday night as they aim to stop them from going top of the league. Rivalries will come to the fore as the two Welsh regions go head-to-head and supporters can expect a fierce battle on the field.
Head-to-Head
The Blues and Dragons have played each other a total of seven times with The Dragons just leading the games won record by four games to three. The Dragons have scored 156 points against the Blues and conceded 149. Last time the sides met was in December when The Dragons played them at Rodney Parade and secured a narrow 14-13 victory.
Injury Update
The Dragons already had a number of players injured going into the game against Munster on the weekend but picked up further injuries. Aled Brew (back), Peter Sidoli (hand) and Paul Emerick (knee) are all ruled out of the derby clash.
Form
The Dragons go into the game against the Blues on the back of four losses and have not won since their quarter-final victory over Brive at the end of March. Their last win in the League was against Glasgow Warriors on March 2nd. The Blues meanwhile have won their last three in the league and a win over The Dragons would propel them to the top of the table.
Who's Hot
Academy member and Bedwas club player Phil Dollman has handled the step up to professional rugby with remarkable maturity. He possesses footballing skills in abundance, gas, great hands and also has a strong kicking game.
Ceri Sweeney has been one of the most consistent performers for The Dragons this season. He has been on target with his place kicking and will need to be again down at the Arms Park to keep the scoreboard ticking over for his side.
Rhys Thomas is back for The Dragons after a long spell out injured, he has been recalled into the Welsh squad and will no doubt look to repay Gareth Jenkins' faith in him with a big performance at the Arms Park.
We Think
The Dragons may go into the game with a poor run behind them, however, they are capable of putting together a real performance and don't be surprised if they do it against their local rivals the Blues. They would like nothing better than to stop the Blues from getting the Magners League title but more importantly want to end their season on a positive note.
Dragons Team
Kevin Morgan, Gareth Wyatt, Gareth Maule, Phil Dollman, Richard Fussell, Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Cooper, Dai Maddocks, Ben Daly, Rhys Thomas, Andrew Hall, Luke Charteris, Joe Bearman, Jamie Ringer, Michael Owen.
Replacements
Steve Jones, Adam Black, Ian Gough, Dan Lydiatt, Martin Thomas, Aled Thomas, Alex Walker
Blues Team
Ben Blair, Rhys Williams, Tom Shanklin, Marc Stcherbina, Chris Czekaj, Nicky Robinson, Mike Phillips, Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Gary Powell, Deiniol Jones, Robert Sidoli, Scott Morgan, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Xavier Rush (c)
Replacements
Scott Roberts, T Rhys Thomas, Bradley Davies, Mark Lewis, Martyn Williams, Wayne Evans, Jamie Robinson
