Casey returns to action against Connacht

Posted on Sep 29, 2010 in Cardiff Blues, Welsh Rugby

Cardiff Blues centre Casey Laulala returns to action this Thursday when the Blues take on Connacht, 7.05pm kick off, Cardiff City Stadium.

Casey recovered to take his place in the Centre alongside Dafydd Hewitt. Gareth Cooper makes his first start of the season for the Blues at scrum half. Richie Rees has not recovered from his calf strain while Lloyd Williams is out injured with a dead leg. Young Pontypridd Scrumhalf Kristian Baller covers on the bench.

In the forwards Xavier Rush captains the side with Rhys Williams at Hooker. T Rhys Thomas is rested having played all games so far this season.

John Yapp starts at loosehead and will play this position for the next three weeks with some big Heineken Cup matches approaching. He is still committed to converting to tighhead but having only played 105 minutes in this position, it is not ideal preparation for European matches. Gethin Jenkins is on the bench having suffered with flu all week, while Martyn Williams is out with a shoulder injury as is Maama Molitika who has a groin strain.

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Australian team to play Cardiff Blues – Matt Toomua to start

Posted on Nov 23, 2009 in Rugby News

Australia Under-20 and Brumbies flyhalf Matt Toomua will make his senior debut for his country after being named today in the Qantas Wallabies side to tackle the Cardiff Blues tomorrow night.

The selection of Toomua, 19, is one of three personnel changes to the starting line-up from the Australian side which won its opening midweek match of the tour at Gloucester.

The others see Pekahou Cowan included to start at loosehead prop, in the place of Salesi Ma’afu, after coming off the bench as a hooker against Gloucester.

Ma’afu is relegated to the bench, after featuring on the tighthead side of the scrum at Gloucester, with Sekope Kepu switching from loosehead to tighthead to accommodate the inclusion of Cowan.

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Young names Blues side to face Gloucester

Posted on Nov 6, 2009 in Rugby News

Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby David Young has selected his side for Sunday afternoon’s LV=Cup game away to Gloucester, 3.00pm kick off.

Speaking ahead of the match Young said,

“The players are certainly looking forward to the Gloucester match.”

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Rush return for Cardiff Blues

Posted on Oct 8, 2009 in Rugby News

Cardiff Blues Number 8 Xavier Rush has been passed fit to play in this Saturday’s Heineken Cup clash against Harlequins at the Cardiff City Stadium.

A real boost for us – Dai Young

Rush, who dislocated his finger in the win over the Scarlets had a successful operation and now has been given the go ahead by medial specialists to play on Saturday.

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