Cardiff Blues host Newport Gwent Dragons on Boxing Day, with the Scarlets visiting the Ospreys 24 hours later at the Liberty Stadium.
The Christmas derbies are one of the highlights of the Welsh rugby calendar, and supporters are voting with their feet to lend their backing to their respective teams. The Blues against the Dragons at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park is on course for a capacity crowd with only terrace tickets left on sale.
In Swansea, 14,000 tickets have already been sold for the meeting between west Wales rivals the Ospreys and the Scarlets which sees fourth visit third in the Guinness Pro12.
“Selection for the Scarlets game will be pretty tough which as coaches is great,” said Ospreys coach Steve Tandy. “There are dilemmas and it will be a big selection headache. We have the Dragons a couple of days later, so this isn’t just about the Scarlets, it’s about the season.
“I think we are in good shape. Everyone has played a bit of rugby, but we all know we are going to have to kick it up a few gears. We won’t be able to have a slow start against the Scarlets because you will find yourself chasing the scoreboard. We are confident in what we are doing and the squad is in a good place.
“We will be preparing to have our own edge when the Scarlets come to the Liberty. We aren’t too bothered about what they are saying. We have some big players, a squad who is playing well and we will rise to the challenge when the Scarlets come to town on the 27th.”
The Scarlets are unbeaten in the Pro12 since the end of September as they’ve moved up the table after a slow start to the domestic season.
Wayne Pivac’s men also claimed a famous 22-21 win over French giants Toulon in their last European Rugby Champions Cup encounter and will travel the short distance down the M4 in confident mood.
“It will be an interesting encounter. It’s an exciting time and the derbies are something to look forward to,” said Scarlets coach Pivac, who hopes to have Wales centre Jonathan Davies back in contention over the Christmas period.
“You have to look after the players and we will work towards the Ospreys, if not the Blues with Jonathan. He is a professional and he will work hard to get himself right for selection.
“Johnny McNicholl has been running. He just needs to tick the box in the contact area now and he will be available for selection. It looks like he will be available for the Ospreys.”
In the capital, the Blues will be looking to move up from seventh place against the ninth-placed Dragons in the traditional Boxing Day clash. With a full house expected, the east Wales derby is set to be a hugely competitive encounter.
“I’m already looking forward to getting back out there and putting in a good shift against the Dragons on Boxing Day,” said Cardiff Blues flanker and Wales captain Sam Warburton.
“They’ll be no problem getting the boys up for the derbies. We’ve had a strange season with ups and downs but we pride ourselves on the derbies. There’s lots to look forward to.”
Kingsley Jones, head coach of the Dragons, added: “It’s important to keep things ticking along. We have Blues away and we have the opportunity to build some momentum. It’s a huge challenge for us on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
“I think most of the players should be up and running for the Blues game. It is exciting. There is extra incentive for some of the players, a lot to play for. There will be no need to get them motivated and they will be ready for it. Blues will be desperate for a win. It’s a big game.”
A matter of days after the Ospreys and Scarlets meet, the latter host the Blues and the Ospreys visit the Dragons in the second round of derbies.
Both fixtures take place on January 1, with two games on the same day the ideal way for Welsh rugby fans to see in the start of 2017.
Dec 26 – Cardiff Blues v Newport Gwent Dragons (KO: 2.05pm)
Only terraced tickets remain (starting at £20 for adults and £10 for juniors).
You can buy tickets by clicking here.
Dec 27 – Ospreys v Scarlets (KO: 3.00pm)
Adults from £20, kids from £5
Wednesday 21st is the last day that tickets will be posted out for the game so any purchases after that date it is recommend the ‘print at home’ option is used.
You can buy tickets by clicking here
Jan 1 – Newport Gwent Dragons v Ospreys (KO: 5.05pm)
They start at £10 online for adult tickets.
Tickets go off sale at Midday on the 1st of January 2017 on line and prices will go up at this time by £5. Ticket will still be on-sale, subject to availability, from the ticket office at Rodney Parade or on 01633 674990
Ticket Office will open at 11am on the day of the game for collections and sales!
You can buy tickets by clicking here
Jan 1 – Scarlets v Cardiff Blues (KO: 3.00pm)
Adult tickets from £18, juniors £5, all children under 5 and under free.
Season ticket holders entitled to purchase up to 4 additional tickets at only £5 each.
You can buy tickets by clicking here or call 0871 871 8088
