CONNACHT NEXT UP FOR THE BLUES

Welsh Rugby Union | Club & Community Published 2:57 pm 26th Apr 2006 post

Having won their last five matches the Blues are now third in the CelticLeague, and require just two more league points to guarantee qualification for the Heineken Cup next season as one of the top three Welsh sides.

The Blues are in top form at the moment gaining 23 out of a possible 25 league points and five successive wins in the Celtic League which has seen them move up to third in the table.

Connacht have won back to back matches in the Celtic League against the Borders and the Dragons, the Irishmen have not won three in a row in the competition since season 2002/2003.

Connacht have struggled away from home this term gaining just six league points from their nine trips so far. They must win to keep up their push for the Heineken Cup play off spot.

The home side will be looking to reverse the result of their last meeting with the Irish minnows. On that occasion Connacht beat the Blues on 3 September at the Galway Sportsground with a 13-9 victory – the first time Connacht have beaten the region, and David Young has named a side that shows one change from the Blues team that beat the Dragons for the first time at Rodney Parade. Robin Sowden-Taylor comes in at openside with Martyn Williams moving to the bench.

Meanwhile the Blues have arranged a special presentation at pitch side after the Connacht match for Craig Quinnell, Dean Dewdney and Dan Baugh who have had to retire from playing professional rugby due to injury.

The supporters club will also have a presentation to Jonah Lomu in the Clubhouse after the match. Jonah will be returning to New Zealand in June for the NPC season and play for the North Harbour side.

Blues: 15 Rhys Williams (c) 14 Chris Czekaj 13 Marc Stcherbina 12 Tristan Davies 11 Craig Morgan 10 Nick Robinson 9 Mike Phillips 8 Xavier Rush 7 Robin Sowden-Taylor 6 Kort Schubert5 Rob Sidoli4 Deiniol Jones3 Gethin Jenkins2 T. Rhys Thomas 1 John Yapp

Replacements: 16 Scott Roberts 17 Duane Goodfield 18 Mark Lewis 19 Martyn Williams 20 Ryan Powell 21 Nick Macleod 22 Lee Thomas