The Blue and Blacks begin their campaign with a clash against Llandovery, as they did this time last year. Twelve months ago, the Drovers travelled to the Arms Park and returned home with a convincing 48-22 win.
It was a poor start to the season for the Fowler’s side – a result they never really recovered from as they went on to finish eighth following an inconsistent season.
But with a number of new signings including the experienced Johnathan Edwards and Ceiron Thomas, the Cardiff head coach is looking forward to kicking off the season in a game screened live on S4C.
“This time last year we played Llandovery at home in the very first game of the year,” said Fowler.
“It was my baptism of fire as such and they absolutely thrashed us. On a personal note I’d like to go up there and prove a few wrongs right. We’re really looking forward to it.”
For the televised game at Church Bank, Cardiff are boosted by the availability of Cory Allen who starts at outside centre. He partners Luke Ford in midfield with the Wales Sevens star, who scored a scintillating try against Fiji in Hong Kong earlier this year, certainly one to watch out for on Sunday.
“Cory is going to play 13 on Sunday. We’re very, very excited to have him back,” said Fowler.
“In the off season he seems to have matured mentally and most definitely physically – he’s a quality player and we can’t wait to see him back in the Blue and Black shirt.
“Luke Ford is an out and out 12 so we’re going to stick with him in the centre and on the whole, we’re not going to make many changes.
“It’s a very exciting time for Cardiff but we have to make sure we keep our feet on the ground and look to get better every week.”
Both Llandovery and Cardiff suffered British & Irish Cup play-off defeats last weekend though the new Premiership season represents a clean slate. Lyndon Lewis’ Drovers will be looking to replicate last year’s play-off place, something club captain Phil Day believes is more than possible.
“There’s no reason why we can’t go one better than last season or if not better it,” he said.
“It was a good game down in Cardiff last year and we’ll be looking for the same result this year.
“Cardiff are a massive club and they’re always going to bring a good team along. If they have improved from last year then they’ll be good competition for us.”
