Tips in for injured Warburton

Posted on Feb 7, 2013

Justin Tipuric starts at openside flanker in place of injured captain Sam Warburton as Wales prepare to take on France in Paris on Saturday.

Ryan Jones takes over as Captain, having recovered from an injured thumb and starts the game at blindside flanker, replacing Aaron Shingler, who drops to the bench.

Matthew Rees drops out of the squad altogether, as Richard Hibbard starts at hooker with Ken Owens keeping his bench spot despite loosing several lineouts against Ireland.

Gethin Jenkins, who has been the subject of media criticism retains his position as starting loosehead prop.

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues); Alex Cuthbert (Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Blues), George North (Scarlets); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Bayonne); Gethin Jenkins (Toulon), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys) Adam Jones (Ospreys), Andrew Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt), Toby Faletau (Dragons), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys).

Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Paul James (Bath), Craig Mitchell (Exeter Chiefs), Lou Reed (Blues), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Lloyd Williams (Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

FRANCE: Y Huget (Toulouse); W Fofana (Clermont Auvergne), M Mermoz (Toulon), M Bastareaud (Toulon), B Fall (Racing Metro); F Michalak (Toulon), M Machenaud (Racing Metro); Y Forestier (Castres), D Szarzewski (Racing Metro), N Mas (Perpignan), J Suta (Toulon), Y Maestri (Toulouse), F Ouedraogo (Montpellier), T Dusautoir (Toulouse, capt), L Picamoles (Toulouse).

Replacements: B Kayser (Clermont Auvergne), V Debaty (Clermont Auvergne), L Ducalon (Castres), R Taofifenua (Perpignan), D Chouly (Clermont Auvergne), M Parra (Clermont Auvergne), F Trinh-Duc (Montpellier), F Fritz (Toulouse).

Cardiff Blues strengthen front row with the signing of Mathew Rees

Posted on Jan 25, 2013

Cardiff Blues will welcome Mathew Rees to the Arms Park next season, with the Wales and Lions hooker having signed a two-year contract with the capital city region.

Rees made his debut for Wales against the USA in 2005 and has gone on to win 57 caps for his country.

He was also selected for the Lions tour to South Africa in 2009, playing in all 3 test matches, and started alongside fellow Welsh front-row internationals Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones in the Second Test.

Speaking of the signing Rees said,

“Leaving the Scarlets has been a tough decision to make after being there for so many years.”

“The Scarlets is where I established myself as a player however I feel that this is the right decision at this point in my career.

“For me personally, I feel that moving to the Blues will provide me with a fresh, new challenge that I am ready to tackle.”

“From working with Phil in the past, I know he is a very organised coach and knows how to get the best out of players and I am looking forward to working with him again.”

“I think he was frustrated with some of the results this season but the hard work is paying off with some performances and results recently. The win out in Munster shows what this team can do.

“It’s good that the Blues are bringing through the youngsters and with some key signings to strengthen the squad, I’m sure there will be more to come from the team.

“The Blues have had success over recent years but have since lost a lot of experienced players such as Martyn Williams, Gethin Jenkins and Xavier Rush who are difficult to replace.”

“However, so far this season, I have been really impressed with the young players that Phil has brought through and now with some key signings to strengthen the squad.”

“I’m sure there will be more success to come from the team, which with my experience I hope to contribute to.”

Having been raised in Tonyrefail, Rees played for the Celtic Warriors and Pontypridd before joining the Scarlets in 2004 and going on to make more than 150 appearances.

“I’m obviously from the Blues region originally and when the Celtic Warriors disbanded I think there was interest in signing me but I moved to the Scarlets.

“Joining the Blues at this stage in my career will, I hope, freshen things up for me as I’ve still got ambitions to play for Wales.

“Being closer to home will save on traveling time and enables me to be closer to my businesses, The Red Lion in Pendoylan and the Bute in Pontyclun.

“That’s something I’m looking to develop after I retire from playing but I’d also like to give something back and do some coaching at some point.”

Blues bid farewell to Ben Blair, Casey Laulala, Martyn Williams, Maama Molitika, Gethin Jenkins, John Yapp, Richie Rees and Dan Parks

Posted on Apr 20, 2012

Blues make six changes to face Edinburgh

Cardiff Blues have made six changes, as they bid farewell to a number of great servants when they take on Edinburgh at the Cardiff City Stadium, Sunday 2.05pm kick off

It will no doubt be an emotional occasion being the final home match for Ben Blair, Casey Laulala, Martyn Williams, Maama Molitika, Gethin Jenkins, John Yapp, Richie Rees and Dan Parks, who are all in the 23 to face Edinburgh on Sunday.

The Blues have made six changes to the team that lost to the Ospreys as they aim to finish the home season on a high.

In the backs the Blues welcome back Ben Blair who replaces Leigh Halfpenny who is out with a shoulder injury while at Centre, Casey Laulala replaces Gavin Evans who moves to the bench. There is one other change with Tom James replacing Harry Robinson.

In the back-row Maama Molitika replaces Michael Paterson who is out with a shoulder injury. There are two changes in the front row with Scott Andrews returning from a knee injury and Gethin Jenkins from a shoulder injury. The pair replace John Yapp and Sam Hobbs, who both move to the bench.

Speaking ahead of the match Cardiff Blues Forwards Coach, Justin Burnell, said:

“The last home game of the season can sometimes be a bittersweet occasion and I feel this will certainly be the case on Sunday.”

“We will be saying goodbye to a number of fantastic players who have served Cardiff Blues with distinction and I would like to thank them all for the commitment they have shown to the team.”

“Despite a number of players moving on, they will remain professional in their approach and like any other game, they will be determined to go out and give a good performance.”

“They are well aware this is their last game at home in a Blues shirt so their total focus is to do the fans proud and get the win for them.”

15 Ben Blair 14 Alex Cuthbert 13 Casey Laulala 12 Dafydd Hewitt 11 Tom James 10 Ceri Sweeney 9 Lloyd Williams

8 Luke Hamilton 7 Martyn Williams 6 Maama Molitika 5 James Down 4 Bradley Davies 3 Scott Andrews 2 Marc Breeze 1 Gethin Jenkins

16 Kristian Dacey 17 John Yapp 18 Sam Hobbs 19 Macauley Cook 20 Josh Navidi 21 Richie Rees 22 Dan Parks 23 Gavin Evans

Not available for selection

• Leigh Halfpenny – shoulder
• Michael Paterson – shoulder
• Xavier Rush – neck
• Ryan Tyrrel – neck
• Jamie Roberts – knee
• Sam Warburton – shoulder
• T Rhys Thomas – neck
• Paul Tito – head
• Richard Mustoe – hip
• Fau Filise – shoulder

Blues make five changes for Ospreys derby

Posted on Apr 13, 2012

Cardiff Blues have made five changes ahead of their big Welsh derby match against the Ospreys.

There are three changes in the backs to the team that lost to Leinster, with Harry Robinson returning from Wales 7’s duties to start on the wing in place of Tom James, who is out with a neck injury. Gavin Evans, who this week announced he has signed a new two year deal with the Blues, starts at outside centre with Casey Laulala moving to the bench. Ceri Sweeney starts at 10 with Dan Parks also moving to the bench.

There are two changes in the forwards with John Yapp replacing Gethin Jenkins who is out with shoulder injury and Luke Hamilton, who makes his RaboDirect debut, starting at Number 8 instead of Xavier Rush who is out with a neck injury. There is no place for Chris Czekaj in the 23.

The Blues will be looking to get back to winning ways and take on an Ospreys side that have won their last two games in the RaboDirect PRO12 against Leinster and Treviso.

Speaking ahead of the match Cardiff Blues Backs Coach, Gareth Baber, said:

“This weekend’s match is sure to be another heated Welsh derby with the Ospreys looking to get a win that will keep them in the top two of the RaboDirect PRO12 table.”

“Knowing this and the frustration from not having a long run of wins behind us has really motivated the team this week to play a good game.”

“The Ospreys have a great group of players and we know it will be a tough battle.”

“However, we will be looking for a big response from the Blues players.”

CARDIFF BLUES v OSPREYS

At Cardiff City Stadium, 6.30pm.

15 Leigh Halfpenny 14 Alex Cuthbert 13 Gavin Evans12 Dafydd Hewitt 11 Harry Robinson 10 Ceri Sweeney 9 Lloyd Williams

8 Luke Hamilton 7 Martyn Williams 6 Michael Paterson 5 James Down 4 Bradley Davies (c) 3 Sam Hobbs 2 Marc Breeze 1 John Yapp

Replacements

16 Kristian Dacey 17 Nathan Trevett 18 Ryan Harford 19 Josh Navidi 20 Maama Molitika 21 Richie Rees 22 Dan Parks 23 Casey Laulala

Not available for selection

Gethin Jenkins – shoulder

Tom James – neck

Xavier Rush – neck

Ryan Tyrrel – neck

Jamie Roberts – knee

Sam Warburton – shoulder

T Rhys Thomas – neck

Paul Tito – head

Richard Mustoe – hip

Fau Filise – shoulder

Andries Pretorius – knee

Deiniol Jones – shoulders

Gethin Jenkins leads Wales vs Italy

Posted on Mar 6, 2012

Gethin Jenkins will lead Wales in their 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday with squad captain Sam Warburton ruled out of contention this weekend with a knee problem.

In one of two changes, both up front, to the starting line-up which beat England to lift the Triple Crown at Twickenham last time out, Blues open-side flanker Warburton is replaced by fellow back row specialist Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) who wins his fourth cap, but makes his first start for Wales.

Former squad captain Matthew Rees will pack down at hooker between fellow 2009 British & Irish Lions props Jenkins and Adam Jones (Ospreys) to win his 49th cap, replacing fellow Scarlet Ken Owens who moves to the bench.

In the backs a rapid return from injury for Blues centre Jamie Roberts (knee) means Wales are able to field the same back line for the fourth match running.

There are three changes on the bench with Owens replacing Ospreys hooker Richard Hibbard and Dragons lock Luke Charteris, who completed his return from a wrist injury for his region on Friday, in for the promoted Tipuric.  Perpignan fly-half James Hook, now fully recovered from the illness (chicken pox) which meant he was a last minute withdrawal last week in London, returns to the bench in place of Scarlets playmaker Stephen Jones.

Blues prop Jenkins wins his 86th cap having led Wales three times already, the first time against South Africa in November 2007 when he became the 125th Welsh captain, and he takes charge of a side victorious in its last three matches and leading the Championship table with just two weekends of action left.

“Due to injuries to all three players at one time or another we have not been able to field this 2009 Lions front row too often and so, although we are more than happy with the job Ken has done for us, we are giving Matthew the opportunity make his contribution as the competition reaches its climax,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“We are back at the Millennium Stadium in front of our home fans and we need to refocus sharply, after our Triple Crown triumph at Twickenham, if we are to give ourselves the best chance of being in contention for the Championship going into that final weekend against France.

“Italy will be hoping to find us complacent and with one eye on the French game, but nothing less than victory on Saturday will be accepted by this Wales team or satisfy the nation behind us and all of that leaves the players themselves brimming with ruthless intent.”

Tickets sales are about to break through the 60,000 mark and, although tickets are selling in their hundreds on a daily basis, with 74,500 seats the Millennium Stadium still has capacity. Tickets are available online at wru.co.uk and ticketlineuk.com or from the telephone hotline 02920 230130.

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Michael Phillips; Gethin Jenkins (C), Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau
REPLACEMENTS: Ken Owens, Paul James, Luke Charteris, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams

WALES

  15 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
  DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 6lbs / 85kgs
  International record: 30 caps (W 15, L 15; 119 pts – 11T, 5C, 18PG)

  14 Alex CUTHBERT (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,089)
  DoB: 05.04.90. 6’6” / 1.98m. 16st 3lbs / 103kgs
  International record: 4 caps (W 3, L 1; 5 pts – 1T)

  13 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)
  DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 8lb / 105kgs
  International record: 24 caps (W 14, L 10; 35 pts – 7T)

  12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)
  DoB: 08.11.86.  6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 42 caps (W 21, L 21; 20 pts – 4T)

  11 George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)
  DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 17st 3lbs / 109kgs
  International record: 19 caps (W 9, L 9, D 1; 50 pts – 10T)

  10 Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,080)
  DoB: 07.01.87 1.82m / 6’0”. 15st 0lbs / 95kgs
  International record: 13 caps (W 9, L 4; 50 pts – 1T, 12C, 7PG)

  9 Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022)
  DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
  International record: 63 caps (W 31, L 30, D 2; 40 pts – 8T)

  1 Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,006)
  DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2” / 1.88m. 19st 1lb / 121kgs
  International record: 85 caps (W 39, L 44, D 2; 20 pts – 4T)

  2 Matthew REES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,033)
  DoB: 09.12.80. 6’0” / 1.83m. 17st 1lbs / 108kgs
  International record: 48 caps (W 20, L 27, D 1; 10 pts – 2T)

  3 Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)
  DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 19st 4lbs / 122kgs
  International record: 78 caps (W 38, L 37, D 3; 10 pts – 2T)

  4 Alun Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)
  DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5” / 1.96m. 19st 4lbs / 122kgs
  International record: 60 caps (W 26, L 34; 35 pts – 7T)

  5 Ian EVANS (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,045)
  DoB: 04.10.84. 6’8” / 2.04m. 18st 3lbs / 116kgs
  International record: 20 caps (W 9, L 10, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

  6 Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,071)
  DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6’4”. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs
  International record: 22 caps (W 10, L 11, D 1)

  7 Justin TIPURIC (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,087)
  DoB: 06.08.89. 1.88m / 6’2” 15st 13lbs / 101kgs
  International record: 3 caps (W 2, L 1)

  8 Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)
  DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 14 caps (W 8, L 6; 10 pts – 2T)

  REPLACEMENTS

  16 Ken OWENS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,088)
  DoB: 03.01.87. 6’1” / 1.86m. 17st 3lbs / 109kgs
  International record: 3 caps (W 3)

  17 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)
  DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1” / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs
  International record: 33 caps (W 14, L 18, D 1)

  18 Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,030)
  DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9” / 2.06m. 19st 10lbs / 125kgs
  International record: 32 caps (W 16, L 16)

  19 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,029)
  DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5” / 1.96m. 17st 12lbs / 113kgs
  International record: 61 caps (W 31, L 28, D 2; 5 pts – 1T)

  20 Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,086)
  DoB: 30.11.89. 6’0” / 1.83m. 14st 1lb / 89kgs
  International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2; 10 pts – 2T)

  21 James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
  DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 2lbs / 96kgs
  International record: 61 caps (W 27, L 32, D 2; 326 pts – 12T, 40C, 58PG, 4DG)

  22 Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)
  DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 13lbs / 101kgs
  International record: 10 caps (W 6, L 4; 25 pts – 5T)