The Blues have lost just once in their last fifteen Arms Park games and have beaten the Dragons in four of their last five encounters, the Gwent region’s last win in Cardiff coming back in November 2003. Despite this, and the Blues’ strong showing in both the Heineken Cup and Magners Legaue this season, Young says he won’t be fooled into thinking this will be a belated Christmas present for his side.
“Welsh derbies are always big occasions and form is immaterial in these type of matches,” he said. “They are one-off games that can go either way regardless of whether a team is playing well or not, all the Welsh rivalry is still there and all the players enjoy the contest. We had a good win at Rodney Parade at the start of the season and I expect them to want to come here to avenge that result.”
The squad includes 20-year-old Sale Sharks outside-half, Rhys Jones who has been drafted in on a season long loan from the north of England club. Jones, has played for Wales at U20, U19 and U18 levels and has appeared for the Sharks six times this season. He is the son of former Wales Captain and Sale Forwards Coach, Kingsley Jones. A sell out crowd is expected for the Boxing Day fixture and supporters are advised to turn up early to purchase or collect their tickets.
Blues: Jamie Roberts; Tal Selley, Jamie Robinson, Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas; Nick Macleod, Richie Rees; John Yapp, T Rhys Thomas, Gary Powell, Deiniol Jones, Scott Morgan, Ben White, Robin Sowden-Taylor (capt), Andy Powell
Replacements: Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Paul Tito, Mark Lewis, Darren Allinson, Rhys Jones, Dafydd Hewitt
Dragons: Kevin Morgan (capt); Richard Fussell, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Ashley Smith, Richard Mustoe; Aled Thomas, Wayne Evans; Adam Black, Ben Daly, Gethin Robinson, Adam Jones, Peter Sidoli, Jamie Ringer, Richard Parks, Joe Bearman
Replacements: Steve Jones, Rhys Thomas, Michael Owen, Colin Charvis, Paul Emerick, Ceri Sweeney, Alex Walker
Referee: Huw Watkins (WRU)
