The Blues, five points behind Leinster in second place, travel to Dublin, knowing a big win could take them equal on points with the home side. Robin Sowden Taylor, Tom James and new Wales cap Jamie Roberts all return from the Wales squad, with James set to make his first start since his try scoring performance against Stade Francais in December.
Speaking ahead of the match Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young said: “We know how important it is for us to get a win out in Leinster. They are five points ahead of us and if we don’t get anything over in Dublin it will be difficult to close the gap on them with only seven matches remaining. The players had a week off after the Bristol match and are all keen to get back on the pitch and re start our challenge in the Magners League.
“We’ve been boosted by the return of Jamie Roberts, Tom James and Robin Sowden-Taylor from the Wales squad although Robin and Tom haven’t had much game time in the last month or so.”
Leinster won 30-19 when the two teams met at the Arms Park in September and the Blues will be looking to avenge that defeat.
“Naturally we were all disappointed with the result and the performance against Leinster in September,” continued Young. “It was a scrappy match and our errors cost us heavily. We will have to improve on that kind of performance if we are to get anything out in Ireland.”
The Blues know they will have to be at their best to get the win at the RDS with Leinster having won their last five matches in the Magners League since a 16-16 draw against Ulster at Ravenhill in October.
Leinster: Luke Fitzgerald; Shane Horgan, Christian Warner, Michael Berne, Gary Brown; Felipe Contepomi, Chris Whitaker; Cian Healy, Ollie le Roux, Stan Wright, Trevor, Hogan, Leo Cullen (c), Cameron Jowitt, Keith Gleeson, Stephen Keogh
Replacements: Brian Blaney, Stephen Knoop, Devin Toner, Kevin McLaughlin, Chris Keane, Eoin O’Malley, Felix Jones
Cardiff Blues: Ben Blair, Jamie Roberts, Jamie Robinson, Gareth Thomas, Tom James, Nick Macleod, Jason Spice; John Yapp, Gareth Williams, Tauf’au Filise, Scott Morgan, Paul Tito, Maama Molitika, Robin Sowden Taylor, Xavier Rush (c)
Replacements: Gary Powell, T Rhys Thomas, Ben White, Mark Lewis, Richie Rees, Rhys Jones, Tal Selley
Referee: Peter Allan (SRU)
