Newport Gwent Dragons v Cardiff Blues
Rodney Parade
Friday 7th September, Kick Off 6.10pm
Introduction – The Dragons go into Friday night's game with confidence high following the win at Stradey Park. However, The Dragons are bidding to win their opening two matches of a league campaign for the first time. Following the first ever win away to the Scarlets, there was further good news for the region this week when a new £40m, 15,000 seater stadium was unveiled. Can the good news continue at the final whistle on Friday night and The Dragons secure a win over their nearest rivals the Blues?
Head-to-Head – Last season the results went the way of the home side and the series between the two regions is tied at four apiece, however, The Dragons have won just one of their last four encounters with the Blues.
Injury Update – The Dragons suffered no injuries against the Scarlets and are just without long term injures Alex Walker and Lee Harrison.
Form – The Dragons go into the game unbeaten this season; they won their three pre season games and the opening Magners League game against the Scarlets.
Who's Hot – Andy Williams was in tremendous form at Stradey Park playing a tactical astute game keeping the Scarlets pinned in their own half with some precise kicking. He fully deserved his try and will want to replicate that form in front of the home crowd. Richard Parks was a menacing presence against the Scarlets and you can expect the same against the Blues from the new flanker. Rhys Thomas was back to his best, always in the faces of the opposition and always making inroads in the loose.
We Think – A really tough game to call. Both sides are unbeaten and in tremendous form. The game will be a tough, physical battle and whoever can gain forward supremacy and have a little bit of luck will walk away with the spoils. However, we think The Dragons will cap a fantastic week by securing a win in front of the home crowd.
Teams
Dragons
15. Martyn Thomas, 14. Gareth Wyatt, 13. Phil Dollman, 12. Ashley Smith, 11. Richard Mustoe, 10. Aled Thomas, 9. Andrew Williams, 1. Adam Black, 2. Ben Daly, 3. Rhys Thomas, 4. Luke Charteris (c), 5. Peter Sidoli, 6. Jamie Ringer, 7. Richard Parks, 8. Nic Fitisemanu. Replacements 16. Steve Jones, 17. Hugh Gustafson, 18. Adam Jones, 19. Dan Lydiate, 20. Joe Bearman, 21. Gareth Maule, 22. Wayne Evans
Blues
15 Ben Blair, 14 Rhys Williams, 13 Tal Selley, 12 Dafydd Hewitt, 11 Jamie Roberts, 10 Nick Robinson, 9 Richie Rees, 1 John Yapp, 2 Ross Johnson, 3 Gary Powell, 4 Deiniol Jones 5 Paul Tito, 6 Ben White, 7 Robin Sowden-Taylor, 8 Xavier Rush (c) Replacements 16 Scott Roberts, 17 Gareth Williams, 18 Robert Sidoli, 19 Mark Lewis, 20 Jason Spice, 21 Nick Macleod, 22 Marc Stcherbina
Referee – George Clancey
