Following Sunday’s 15-13 victory over Connacht, the medical team reported that Richardt Strauss suffered an accidental blow to the face, though at this point he has not been ruled out of contention, with the team set to be announced on Friday lunchtime.

Aside from a number of niggles after the weekend’s arduous test there are no other major injury concerns as the squad shape up for the second match in a block of three successive away games.

Kevin McLaughlin, who was rested for the win in Galway, looks set to return to the squad alongside the likes of Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Rob Kearney, Eoin Reddan, Mike Ross and Jonathan Sexton.

Steven Sykes (knee) hasn’t been ruled out of contention and he too could make the trip to the Welsh capital.

Meanwhile, Isa Nacewa’s 100 percent 15-point haul took his overall season points tally to 87 in 13 games to date.

Two wins from three in Heineken Cup Pool 2 means Edinburgh Rugby are just three points behind this weekend’s opponents, who leapfrogged Edinburgh into the Pool’s top spot in the reverse fixture last Friday (25-8).

Now, with home advantage, the capital club have the chance to redress the Pool positions, with a win capable of restoring Edinburgh to the top spot with two matches remaining – Racing Metro away followed by London Irish at Murrayfield.

The selection of Blair and Laidlaw is the only change in the Edinburgh Rugby back-line, while two personnel changes have been made in the pack – Grant Gilchrist and Netani Talei coming in for Esteban Lozada and Stuart McInally in the second and back-row.

Talei’s introduction means there’s no room for McInally in the match-day 23, with Ross Rennie retaining the back-row replacement berth, while Lozada takes Steven Turnbull’s place on the bench.

Talei, who started and scored in the club’s last home Heineken Cup match against Racing Metro, said: “Everyone’s looking forward to this game, the boys are confident and have been focussed on this match since we left Cardiff on Saturday. It’s a big, big game for us.

"Cardiff have the ability to slot points from pretty much anywhere within 50 metres so we can’t afford to give away cheap penalties.

“We have to tackle the basics first at the ruck and the tackle area – that’s what Cardiff are very good at. If we put our focus there first and give our backs the go forward we’re capable of scoring tries from anywhere around the park."

Other notable inclusions see centre Matt Scott return from a hip injury sustained in the side’s 48-47 win over Racing Metro, while the experienced Phil Godman provides the half-back replacement option for Laidlaw and Blair from the bench.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Rugby team to play Cardiff Blues in round four of the Heineken Cup at Murrayfield Stadium on Friday 16 December (kick-off 8pm)

15 Chris Paterson

14 Lee Jones

13 Nick De Luca

12 James King

11 Tim Visser

10 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN

9 Mike Blair

1 Allan Jacobsen

2 Ross Ford

3 Geoff Cross

4 Grant Gilchrist

5 Sean Cox

6 David Denton

7 Roddy Grant

8 Netani Talei

Substitutes

16 Steven Lawrie

17 Kyle Traynor

18 Jack Gilding

19 Esteban Lozada

20 Ross Rennie

21 Phil Godman

22 Matt Scott

23 Tom Brown

Both sides are unbeaten in the Pool, with Edinburgh taking the top spot by virtue of a four-try bonus point picked up in last month’s 11-try encounter with Racing Metro (48-47).

They face a Cardiff side whose impressive run of five consecutive wins in all competitions was interrupted last Friday as a weakened side were undone by Cup champions Leinster (52-9) at the RDS.

This run, combined with an away victory over Edinburgh in the opening match of the RaboDirect PRO12 season will no doubt fill the hosts with confidence ahead of this clash of capitals.

Edinburgh however have been increasingly impressive of late, since an away win over Treviso sparked a similar run of form, stuttering against Munster away, but returning against Aironi at Murrayfield last weekend, as they ran in seven tries to make seven home wins from nine (50-10).

Speaking at today’s press conference, head coach Michael Bradley, said: “Cardiff away will be a significant challenge indeed and is a match that will demand our utmost attention to every aspect of our game.

“We have a lot of respect for Cardiff, their players and the way they play the game. There is no hiding from the fact that they have favourable position to ours in the RaboDirect PRO12 and have already beaten us at Murrayfield this season.

“However, we must have faith in our ability, something which has been gathering steam in the past six weeks.

“Our season has a degree of momentum to it, with the recent wins in the Heineken Cup and good wins over the Italian sides, home and away.

“If we maintain the consistency of these improvements in this double-header then we are capable of achieving out goal, which is to keep our place at the top of this group and qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.”

Edinburgh Rugby 25-man squad to play Cardiff Blues in round three of the Heineken Cup (Pool 2) at the Cardiff City Stadium this Friday (9 December, kick-off 8pm)
Mike Blair, Tom Brown, Sean Cox, Geoff Cross, Nick De Luca, David Denton, Ross Ford, Jack Gilding, Phil Godman, Roddy Grant, John Houston, Allan Jacobsen, Lee Jones, James King, Greig Laidlaw, Steve Lawrie, Harry Leonard, Esteban Lozada, Stuart McInally, Chris Paterson, Ross Rennie, Kyle Traynor, Steven Turnbull, Netani Talei, Tim Visser

Not available through injury: Ben Cairns (knee), Grant Gilchrist (shoulder), Andrew Kelly (knee), Alan MacDonald (shoulder), Matt Scott (hip), Jim Thompson (knee)

The former Scarlet could have found himself out of the game for twice as long however, had it not been for his previously good record and guilty plea. Independent judicial officer, Roger Morris determined the tackle was at the mid-range entry point of six weeks and added two weeks as “a deterrent against this pattern of offending”, but reduced the penalty by four weeks in consideration of Shingler coming clean and his clear record.

A Disciplinary Hearing as a result of the red card issued to Steven Shingler, the London Irish player (No 12), during the Heineken Cup, Pool 2 match against Cardiff Blues at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday, 18 November 2011 was conducted today (Wednesday, 23 November 2011).

The red card was issued in the 20th minute of the first half by referee, Jerome Garces (France), for a dangerous tackle on the Cardiff Blues centre, Dafydd Hewitt (No 12), in contravention of Law 10.4(j).

The independent Judicial Officer, Roger Morris (Wales), heard submissions from Shingler, the London Irish Head Coach Toby Booth, Team Manager Kieran McCarthy  and ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O’Connor, before determining that the tackle was at the mid-range entry point of six (6) weeks.

As a deterrent against the this pattern of offending within the game the Judicial Officer added a further two (2) weeks to the entry point of six (6) weeks, but having taken into account the player’s guilty plea and clear record, he decided on a reduction of four (4) weeks.

Shingler is therefore suspended for four (4) weeks from the date of the match and will be free to play on Monday, 19 December 2011. Both the player and ERC have the right  to appeal the decision.

Law 10.4(j) Dangerous tackle – Lifting a player from the ground and either dropping or driving that player’s head and/or upper body into the ground whilst the player’s feet are off the ground

Under the IRB Recommended Sanctions for Offences Committed within the Playing Enclosure, Law 10.4 (j), carries the following penalties: Lower End: 3 weeks; Mid Range: 6 weeks; Top End: 10+ to 52 weeks

The 25 man squad sees the return from injury of George Naoupu, Eoin Griffin, Miah Nikora with Tongan Fetu’u Vainikolo back from World Cup duties.

Fetu’u starred in Tonga’s warm-up games, scoring a try against Fiji and played a huge role in their narrow loss to Canada in the World Cup. The 26 year old flying winger who was born in Tofoa, scored Tonga’s winning try in their victory over World Cup finalists France.

Eric Elwood will announce the starting XV at mid-day tomorrow .

Extended Connacht squad to face Cardiff Blues:

Forwards:

Rodney Ah You, Ronan Loughney, Dylan Rogers, Brett Wilkinson, Adrian Flavin, Ethienne Reynecke, Michael Swift, Dave Gannon, Mike McCarthy, George Naoupu, John Muldoon, Johnny O’Connor, Ray Ofisa, TJ Anderson.

Backs:

Paul O’Donohoe, Frank Murphy, Matthew Jarvis, Miah Nikora, Niall O’Connor, Tiernan O’Halloran, Brian Tuohy, Henry Fa’afili, Eoin Griffin, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Gavin Duffy

The self styled “Galacticos” of the Welsh regions obviously do not not have enough room for possibly the finest talent of his generation. Or perhaps they don’t have the money. Or maybe they could not satisfy his expectations, nor he theirs. Or maybe just too much water has passed under the bridge for it to be viable. Clearly the loss of James Hook and Leigh Byrne has created an opening as wide as the M4 in the Osprey ranks and Henson would fill the role of fullback, inside centre or utility back better than most. Money is tight in Welsh rugby, but given the absence of Hook and Byrne from the payroll would have allowed enough latitude to have satisfied any money requirements he might have asked for, money doesn’t appear to be the decisive factor. So, that really leaves only the expectations question and effect Henson would have on the camp.

There is no question the manner and timing of Henson’s departure from the Ospreys would have created a certain amount of friction at all levels of the region, from players to management. That added to his seeming fragility would have given the men in charge at the Liberty to think twice about him. What would they get for their money? The potential for long layoffs? Friction between him and the rest of the camp?  Possibly, but they would also get a sublime talent who has the ability to turn matches single-handed. Was it worth the risk? Obviously not.

So, what are Cardiff getting? And why are they getting it?

Henson returned to rugby action in 2011 and was selected in Warren Gatland’s 45-man preliminary World Cup squad. Having impressed in the Wales team training camp in Poland, he started for Wales at inside centre in their 19-9 win over England on 13 August, before suffering a dislocated wrist which ruled him out of the World Cup.

Henson’s stock outside Wales is not as high as he would like and the treatment he got at Sarries was pretty shabby. He was moved around and played in positions that did not suit him, while lesser men plodded along in channels he would rather run in. Equally, at Toulon, he did not get the adoration his self-view demanded and allegedly getting into a scrap with a team mate was probably the last straw. A month after the incidence, in May, Henson was released by Toulon. He has been seeking employment ever since.

As I said earlier, I think the Ospreys took a rain cheque on the opportunity to sign Henson, so he was left with looking at Cardiff, Llanelli or Newport – none of whom seem liked at likely home for him. I think he arrived at Cardiff because of Peter Thomas. Thomas has, in the past, been responsible for surprise signings – Dan Parks being a case in point – and it would not surprise me to find he was the prime mover in this. The only question is how long Henson will last as Blue?

So, what will he bring? We all know Henson can play virtually anywhere in the backs and makes a good fist of standoff-half. Currently, amongst the backs it is pretty safe to assume that Laulala and Roberts aren’t going to step aside for Henson, so that effectively rules out centre, let alone his preferred position of inside centre. Also, with the return of Leigh Halfpenny to his preferred position of fullback for Wales and the return to form of Chris Czekaj in the wing or full back role, plus James on the other wing, not to mention the up and coming Fish at full back, the Blues are pretty well catered for in the back three. So, in truth, the only real opportunity for him lies at number 10.

Henson has always expressed a preference for that position. Now whether that is because he plays better there than anywhere else, or because of the special standing of the role in Welsh rugby is a moot point. Whatever the case might be, he is up against Dan Parks and Ceri Sweeney (who I’ve been told has some history with Henson). Sweeney has played well recently and although he is largely a figure of the past, he is a good back up to the main ten in the Cardiff squad. Dan Parks, on the other hand, has been dreadful throughout his stay at Cardiff. At least in the view of the fans anyway. Although to be fair he has averaged 11.6 points per game since joining the Blues.  His deal runs out in August 2012 and I don’t think it will be renewed.

So, I suspect Henson might be seen as a long term replacement for Parks at Fly-half, although he has only signed an eight month deal. This will satisfy Henson, the region, the WRU and the fans, who despite Henson’s problems still worship him, although some of the more cynical voices will quickly be crying “All the time” if he starts making mistakes.

Speaking at the Cardiff City Stadium, Henson said: "I’ve been saying I wanted to play back in Wales and I’m glad of the opportunity that Cardiff Blues have given me."

"I just want to do everything I can to make them happy and enjoy my rugby. I’m glad I’ve signed here."

"There’s been huge rivalry between the Blues and the Ospreys over the years, and I’ve been part of that, so to leave and join the Blues is a bit strange."

"I’m sure when I meet up with all the boys it will be fine as I know most of them. When I do run out for my first game for the Blues, I will be Blues through and through."

"It’s my first time at the stadium and the facilities I’ve seen at the Blues, from the training facility to the stadium, are incredible. It’s a very exciting time for me."

Henson, who had spells with Saracens and Toulon last season, has signed an 8 month contract with the Blues ahead of Thursday’s Heineken Cup squad deadline. Speaking of his injury, Henson added,

"The wrist is coming along alright. Obviously it was a nightmare injury for me, but I’m two weeks out of plaster now, so maybe a couple of weeks before I’m back on the pitch."

"It was nightmare timing getting that injury just before the World Cup, but these things happen."

"It’s pretty tough mentally now, but it’s healed and getting stronger, so I’m just looking forward to playing for my new club, The Blues."

"Going into the England game for Wales, I was feeling great physically. I’d done a lot of work with Wales and a lot of training, so I’ve tried to maintain that as best as I can, but some things are difficult because I was in plaster."

"I hope over the next few weeks now that the plaster is off that I will do other conditioning. I’m dying for the first opportunity with the Blues."

"The Blues have always had a great squad and there’s no change there with all the youngsters that they have."

"They are strong at centre and strong at outside half, so it’s up to the coaches where they want me to play. We will have to wait and see."

Yes, Gav we will.

I just hope it doesn’t all end in tears, because the avenues of escape are slowly closing everywhere. Sooner or later he is going to have to settle down and play out his career. Either that or end up on the Reality Show merry-go-round until they lose interest, which will not be long anyway. In February, Henson will be 30, so the chances of him playing in the next Rugby World Cup are slim at best. The sands of time are running out for Henson, so this really is his last chance. He will never fulfil the potential he exhibited as a youngster, but he can become a star of regional rugby again. For Gavin Henson that had better be enough.

Fresh from his World Cup exploits down under, Scotland international Euan Murray starts in the front row while giant lock Andrew van der Heijden gets the nod in the engine room.

Goal-kicking sensation Jimmy Gopperth will don the familiar No. 10 jersey with fellow Kiwi Jeremy Manning returning to the back division following a lengthy spell on the sideline.

Manning will form a mouth-watering centre combination with new South African signing Corne Uys as head coach Alan Tait eyes successive victories on home soil.

Tait makes seven further changes to the side that went down fighting at Saracens in the Aviva Premiership last week.

Rikki Sheriffe and Luke Eves occupy both wings while Jordi Pasqualin, an LV= Cup winner with Gloucester last term is handed a chance to impress at scrum-half.

In the front-row Darren Fearn and Michael Mayhew partner Murray while last season’s Academy Player of the Season Mark Wilson comes in for Richard Mayhew at flanker.

Murray’s tantalising inclusion in the Falcons starting XV is real positive sign of intent by the Falcons, who were beaten finalists last time out.

Falcons boss Tait said: “He is one of the best scrummagers in the world, and Mickey Ward has got a smile on his face as front-row coach because he knows like me that great players make a great difference.

“I am expecting the scrum to be a solid base for us to attack from, and Euan will be a key part of that.”

Newcastle kick-started their domestic campaign with a hard-fought triumph over London Wasps a fortnight ago, a result which has revitalised the side according to Tait.

“We are starting to click, we still have players to come into the team and I am really excited with how we can kick-on,” said Tait.

“I have always said that I am keen to get a Newcastle Falcons style of rugby, so that everybody knows when the Falcons turn up they are going to get a certain type of game.

“Against Leicester and Exeter we put on some good stuff, and even last weekend against Saracens – who are the best team in the country – I was thrilled with how we played at times,” he added.

Newcastle: Goosen, Sheriffe, Uys, Manning, Eves, Gopperth, Pasqualin, Fearn, M. Mayhew, Murray, Townson, van der Heijden, Wilson, Pennycook, Hogg.

Replacements: Graham, Wells, Hall, Swinson, Welch, Chudley, Helleur, Hodgson

The New Zealander arrived in Belfast last week and has quickly settled within the squad. The versatile player will offer McLaughlin a few options as he can operate on the wing, at fullback or in the centre.

Ulster made it two wins from their opening two games after a hard fought win over Aironi over the weekend. They will now look to repeat last season’s feat of winning their first three games of the campaign.

Ulster have won all eight home matches they have played at Ravenhill in 2011 but will face a stern test of their credentials against an in-form Cardiff. The Welsh side sit top of the pile in the RaboDirect PRO12 having brushed aside Edinburgh and Treviso to register two bonus point wins.

Forwards
Paddy McAllister, Callum Black, Jerry Cronin, Declan Fitzpatrick, Adam Macklin, John Burns, Andi Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Dan Tuohy, Lewis Stevenson, Tim Barker, Neil McComb, Mike McComish, Pedrie Wannenburg, Chris Henry, Willie Faloon, Robbie Diack

Backs
Paul Marshall, Ian Porter, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Jackson, Ian Whitten, Luke Marshall, Nevin Spence, Darren Cave, Jared Payne, Conor Gaston, Craig Gilroy, Adam D’Arcy

The 43 year old former Wales, Lions and Cardiff prop has contractual obligations at Cardiff and any move by Wasps to secure his services would be subject to Young negotiating a release from the Blues. The statement from the Blues is unequivocal in that respect: “David Young is still in contract at the Blues and has one year to run on that contract, which we expect him to honour.”

Regional chairman, Peter Thomas says: “I have always said that I think Dai’s next port of call after the Cardiff Blues should be with the Wales national set up…” This indicates he expect Young to stay and move up to the Welsh National scene once his tenure at Cardiff comes to an end. Young may have other ideas, his ambitions to coach Wales are real, but he believes he needs experience of running an English Premiership team and Wasps would be a suitable challenge for his talents.

Despite a relatively successful few years, in which Young has led the Blues to victories in the EDF trophy, the Amlin cup and to within a single kick of the Heineken European Cup final, losing to Leicester in the much maligned penalty shoot-out, which was subsequently dropped from the competition, he has been under pressure with little or no resources in evidence at the cash strapped region.

His star has risen recently, coaching the Baa Baas at the tail end of last season, taking the scalps of England and Wales, but next season was always going to be a trial at Cardiff. With no prospect of improving the side and the potential for embarrassing early exits from competitions and a drain of players, Young could be on a hiding to nothing and a record which would inevitably tarnish his reputation. This makes the Wasps job look attractive and the prospect of linking up with Wales coach Sean Edwards may be enough to swing the pendulum in the direction of the London outfit. Ironically, it would see him taking charge of a team that next season will include ex-Cardiff number 10, Nicky Robinson who has also enhanced his reputation over the last couple of seasons, becoming arguably one of the best three outside-halves in the Aviva Premiership – a stark contrast with the Blues who have struggled at 10 since his departure.

The event will be hosted by the RFU and Wales is the only nation outside England where matches will be played.

Details of the schedule of matches to be played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff will be confirmed when the full tournament structure is announced in due course.

The decision to confirm games will be played in Wales has been welcomed by the WRU Chairman David Pickering and the Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis.

David Pickering, who is also a Wales representative on the IRB Council and executive board, said: “I am delighted for Wales and for Welsh rugby that this decision has now been confirmed.

“I want to thank my colleagues on the IRB Council and the RFU for recognising the benefit of playing games across the border in Wales.

“I’m also grateful for the support of the Welsh Assembly Government and First Minister Carwyn Jones who we’ve consulted on this matter.”

“Cardiff is extremely accessible by road, rail and air while the city centre location of the Millennium Stadium is now firmly established as a huge benefit for visiting fans.

“Our proximity to the west of England and London means the Millennium Stadium makes enormous sense as a venue for these important fixtures.

“The Rugby World Cup is now one of the greatest tournaments on the sporting calendar and Wales can be proud to be playing a pivotal role in its delivery.

“Our history as a proud rugby nation is well known and I am so pleased that thousands of Welsh rugby fans will now be able to claim real involvement in this great competition.

“Wales now has a seat on the top table of world rugby and we play a huge role in sustaining and developing the sport around the globe.

“2015 is going to be a fantastic year for rugby and, yet again, Wales will feature prominently in an epic occasion for our sport.”

WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis, said: “This is a great honour for Welsh rugby and I know the staff at the Millennium Stadium will ensure the event is a huge success.

“This announcement is true confirmation of our status as worthy hosts of some of the most iconic events staged in Europe.

“We have just hosted a sensational Heineken Cup Final and are already looking forward to welcoming Olympic soccer to Wales next year.

“The Millennium Stadium now plays a crucial role in helping to confirm Wales as a nation capable of hosting major events successfully.

“In a few weeks’ time the stadium will host two concerts by Take That which is yet more proof of the incredible versatility of the venue.

“The stadium is wholly owned and operated by the WRU and we can take credit as an organisation for utilising that asset properly and effectively in a highly competitive commercial environment.

“Images of the stadium are now seen around the world on television screens featuring the events we host and our nation benefits both financially and culturally by its impact.

“The Rugby World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events around and I want to congratulate the RFU for their success is securing such a prestigious event.”