Muller And Baugh Return For Cardiff
Pieter Muller has recovered from knee surgery and plays his first game of the season against The Borders in Hawick on Friday evening (7.30 pm).
Also included in a Cardiff team that shows six changes from the side that started against Connacht is Dan Baugh. The Canadian back row star played 22 minutes as a replacement in Galway but will now make his first ‘start’ since playing for Canada in the summer.
Also brought into this week’s team are international half-backs Iestyn Harris and Ryan Powell, wing Anthony Sullivan, loose-head prop Tim Payne and hooker Greg Woods.
Coach David Young said, “Our changes from match-to-match reflect our commitment to utilising the full squad wherever possible. I have been very happy with the midfield but Pieter Muller is fit and due for a game. Our half-backs played the full 80 minutes last week so now take their turn on the bench. Andrew Lewis has had a niggling injury this week but should be alright for the replacements’ bench.”
Unavailable for selection were Jim Brownrigg, Emyr Lewis, Spencer John, Dean Dewdney and Robin Sowden-Taylor.
Donavan van Vuuren trained with the squad this week and new lock Heino Senekal arrived at the Arms Park at lunchtime today.
Team: Rhys Williams; Anthony Sullivan, Jamie Robinson, Pieter Muller, Craig Morgan; Iestyn Harris, Ryan Powell; Tim Payne, Greg Woods, Kenneth Fourie, Adam Jones, John Tait, Rob Appleyard, Dan Baugh, Martyn Williams (captain)
Replacements: Gary Powell, Andrew Lewis, Luke Tait, Dan McShane, Richard Smith, Nick Robinson, Nick Walne
Referee: Dave Pearson (RFU)