HTSPORTSNEWS

• WordPress
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Harry Tovey LinkedIn account

Cardiff RFC welcome Llandovery RFC to the Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday afternoon in Super Rygbi Cymru (KO: 2:30pm).

The Blue and Blacks will be looking to build on their success of back-to-back wins over Aberavon and Bridgend Ravens. Whereas for Euros Evans’ side, they will be aiming to gain revenge after losing 52-19 in the pairs last meeting.

It will be the first time since February’s triumph over RGC in the SRC that Dan Fish’s men return to league action at the Cardiff Arms Park. They come into the contest on the back of a hard fought 29-14 victory over Bridgend where the Blue and Blacks crossed the whitewash on five occasions.

Elijah Evans, Matty Young, Joe Goodchild, Jason Harries and Aled Ward all crossed as Cardiff still remain in pole position in the SRC as they head into the penultimate weekend of league action before the playoffs.

Team News:

1. Marc Thomas

2. Alun Rees

3. Tom Harper

4. Mackenzie Martin

5. Sean Moore (c)

6. Aled Ward

7. Nathan Hudd

8. Lucas de la Rua

9. Ethan Lloyd

10. Harri Wilde

11. Dewi Cross

12. Steffan Emanuel

13. Jason Harries

14. Tom Bowen

15. Matty Young

Replacements:

16. Gavin Parry

17. Jared Williams

18. Christian Brooke

19. Ethan Phillips

20. Benji Williams

21. Evan Rees

22. Joe Williams

23. Joe Goodchild

Pre-Match Thoughts:

Speaking ahead of the clash with the Drovers head coach, Dan Fish said: “After a tough couple of days we are looking forward to getting back out on to the Arms Park and representing Cardiff.

“We know what challenge awaits us and are fully focused on being the best version of ourselves. We know the threats Llandovery pose and know we are going to be in a tough battle for 80mins.

“It’s the last home game of the regular season and we are hoping to finish with a bang.”

Remember the last meeting between the pair?

The last time the pair met was at Church Bank back on March 8th, when it saw for the first time since April 2022 Cardiff claiming the spoils as they put aside Llandovery 52-19. Tries from Matty Young, Joe Goodchild and Joe Williams were accompanied by Dewi Cross and Osian Darwin-Lewis, who scored a brace as the Blue and Blacks secured an impressive victory on the road.

Head-to-Head

The first meeting between the pair took place back in 1990 where it finished 52-13 as Cardiff crossed the whitewash ten times. However the two sides wouldn’t lock horns again until Tuesday January 12th 1999, but this time around it was the first time the Blue and Blacks had travelled to Church Bank to play Llandovery.

After that meeting both sides then went head-to-head on a more consistent basis from the 2003-04 season onwards. This has led to a grand total of 47 meetings with Cardiff winning 22 times and there is just one draw which was back in 2018 where the game finished 32-32.

For those unable to make it to the Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday can stay updated via social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram).

After losing narrowly last weekend against Llandovery (48-43), the Blue and Blacks will be aiming to secure their first win at Pontypool Park since 2009. They come into the meeting off the back of scoring six tries with fullback, Matty Young crossing twice.

Steffan Emanuel, Jason Harries, Benji Williams and Joe Williams also crossed the whitewash which saw them pick up two losing bonus points.

Despite falling short last timeout, Dan Fish’s side remain in pole position as they head into the final weekend of regular SRC action sitting on 76 points.

The Blue and Blacks will need only one point to secure top spot as they will be out of reach of second place, Ebbw Vale who currently sit on 70 points with back-to-back defeats.

Team News

1. Cam Tyler-Grocott

2. Gavin Parry

3. Christian Brooke

4. Ethan Phillips

5. Sean Moore (c)

6. Aled Ward

7. Nathan Hudd

8. Lucas de la Rua

9. Ethan Lloyd

10. Harri Wilde

11. Tom Bowen

12. Osian Darwin-Lewis

13. Luke Pollock

14. Kodie Stone

15. Joe Goodchild

Replacements:

16. Charlie Manship

17. Marc Thomas

18. Tom Harper

19. Evan Rees

20. Benji Williams

21. Will Jameson

22. Joe Williams

23. Ioan Penry

Pre-Match Thoughts

Speaking ahead of the fixture head coach, Dan Fish said: “Last game of the regular season and got a chance to finish on top of the league which will put us in a good place going into the play offs.

“We have prepped well as we know what challenges Pontypool can cause and we want to be on our game.”

Remember the last meeting?

The last time these two met was back in November where the Blue and Blacks triumphed 27-10, which was Cardiff’s only game of the month. This encounter was part of the double-header where Cardiff Rugby took on Dragons RFC as well at the Arms Park.

Dewi Cross scored a brace which meant he had surpassed 50 points for the season and Alun Rees and Tom Bowen also scored.

Head-to-Head

Historically Cardiff have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning 120 out of the 191 meetings which date back to 1908. The pair met at the Arms Park in October 2023 and this was the first game between the two since 2010.

Pooler have won four out of the last five meetings with the Blue and Blacks’ last win at Pontypool Park being in October 2009. On that occasion it finished 38-10, with Cardiff scoring six tries.

For those unable to make it to Pontypool Park on Saturday can stay updated via our social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram).

After weeks of speculation, the Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed the appointment of Dave Reddin as its new director of professional rugby. A role that hasn’t been filled since Nigel Walker departed as executive director of rugby back in December of last year.

With the national side on a run of 17 consecutive Test match defeats, Reddin faces an almighty task of rebuilding a national team that no longer sits in the top 10 in the World Rugby rankings. His role will also oversee Wales Women, who have so far lost all four of their Six Nations matches, as they look to avoid a consecutive wooden spoon.

Crucially, Reddin will be in charge of identifying the new head coach for the men’s national side. With many in contention, it is believed that Scotland’s defence coach, Steve Tandy, is favoured for the role.

Another responsibility he has is getting all four of Wales’ regions competitive again. That will be no easy task as the Ospreys, Scarlets, and Dragons have yet to sign the new Professional Rugby Agreement with the WRU.

Consistency in results has been lacking across the entirety of Welsh Rugby, with both national and club sides failing to push for any major trophies. Reddin has been there and got the t-shirt when it comes to radical change within a national side. Look no further than his six-year stint with the Football Association.

Over that period, he worked under the strategy of “What It Takes to Win,” which brought a consistent period of success for England’s Football. It included World Cup wins at the U20 and U17 levels, as well as World Cup semi-finals for their men’s and women’s senior sides.

That semi-final run in the 2018 Men’s World Cup in Russia was the best in 26 years, as he worked closely with the then-England manager Gareth Southgate.

From 1998 to 2003, he was a part of Clive Woodward’s England set up, where he was in charge of changing the landscape and culture in preparation of the players. Perhaps this was the reasoning behind their unbeaten streak, which lasted four years, and the glory of lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy in 2003.

He did so with the oldest team in the entire tournament when the Rugby World Cup took place in Australia.

Reddin has said in the past that he is happiest when working behind the scenes, but with this monumental announcement, that happiness may be short-lived if nothing changes quickly in Welsh Rugby.

In the build up to the match Dragons RFC head coach, Filo Tiatia admitted that there have been many games this season that his side should’ve won, but despite going into an early 10-0 lead it was the same old story at the Swansea.com Stadium. 

After early advantage in the contest tries from Will Spencer, Dewi Lake, Ben Warren, Kieran Hardy, Reuben Morgan Williams and both Keelan Giles and Dan Edwards bagging a brace, saw the Ospreys keep their play-off hopes alive as both sides travel to South Africa to conclude their seasons next weekend. 

Ospreys: 54

Tries: Will Spencer (24’), Dewi Lake (33’), Ben Warren (45’), Keelan Giles (49’,77’), Dan Edwards (55’,58’), Kieran Hardy (70’), Reuben Morgan Williams (79’)

Conversions: Dan Edwards (24’, 33’, 45’, 49’, 58’), Jack Walsh (70’, 77’)

Penalties: 

Dragons: 27

Tries: Harry Rees-Weldon (22’), Rhodri Williams (54’), Jared Rosser (63’)

Conversions: Angus O’Brien (22’, 54’, 63’)

Penalties: Angus O’Brien (16’)

Scroll down for Dragons RFC player ratings. 

15. Ewan Rosser- 4

Was targeted from kickoff and restarts, but handled the pressure on occasions from Daniel Kasende well. Strong with ball in hand and showed on occasion some great footwork but needed to see it more from the fullback who was replaced by Will Reed.

14. Harry Rees-Weldon- 5.5

After winning try of the season in Super Rygbi Cymru, Rees-Weldon made his long awaited Dragons debut. Despite kicking the ball out on the full in the opening exchanges the 20-year-old had a decent showing which was capped off with a brilliant finish to score his first URC try. 

13. Joe Westwood- 4

Not the best of afternoons for the 21-year-old as he was taken off early in the second half with blood and a head injury which resulted in the outside centre being replaced by Huw Anderson.

12. Aneurin Owen ©- 4

The Dragons captain like many in the backline didn’t see much of the ball in attack and like his counterpart in the centres, it wasn’t the best of afternoons.

11. Jared Rosser- 4.5

Worked well with Angus O’Brien, spotting gaps on the outside when the hosts’ were guilty at being narrow in defence but that was really it from the winger as it was a quiet afternoon. He does however get a higher score than expected as he showed great strength to score his third of the season.  

10. Angus O’Brien- 5

After playing his first game last weekend at Judgement Day since the start of January, the outside half had a decent showing especially from the tee where he remained 100%. One of his downsides was he was slow kicking to the outside to Jared Rosser as the hosts were narrow in defence. 

9. Rhodri Williams- 4

Kept the tempo high for the visitors in attack with some great kicks in behind as he tried to put his side on the front foot. Nothing came off from those kicks and he was replaced by Che Hope on the hour mark. 

1. Rhodri Jones- 4

After signing a new contract in the week, Jones scrummaged and carried well but that was really it from the loosehead. He was replaced on the hour mark by Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths.  

2. Brodie Coghlan- 6

The hooker was a great asset when it came to lineout time and was firing his arrows straight. He is another one that will have aspirations to be on the summer tour of Japan and overall was one of the standouts for the Dragons.

3. Chris Coleman- 5 

The scrum was definitely an area of strength for the visitors in the first half especially for the 26-year-old who on occasions had the upper hand over Gareth Thomas. He is definitely showing improvements as the season has gone on but needs to do it on a more regular basis.  

4. Joe Davies- 3

Davies came into the starting XV as he replaced injured Ben Carter and had a decent 60 minutes where he showcased some fast handling but was given a low score as I wanted to see more from the second row. He was eventually replaced by Barny Langton-Cryer. 

5. Ryan Woodman- 4

Another one in the Dragons XV who didn’t make much of an impact on the game, but coordinated the visitors lineouts well which was perhaps the only positive of the afternoon for the visitors.  

6. Shane Lewis-Hughes- 4

Compared to his counterparts it was a quiet afternoon from the blindside but overall carried well and was decent around the breakdown area. 

7. Dan Lydiate- 7

Playing his final game on Welsh soil it was in some way a vintage performance from the 37-year-old. The infamous chop tackle, great workrate and great intelligence around the breakdown area was all on show as the Welsh legend bowed out for the last time as a professional rugby player in Wales.  

8. Aaron Wainwright- 6

One of the Dragons main ball carriers and was nearly rewarded for his workrate with a try in the first half after some quick thinking between himself and Coghlan. 

Replacements: 

16. James Benjamin- 3

17. Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths- 4

18. Nathan Evans- 3

19. Barny Langton-Cryer- 4

20. George Young- 3

21. Che Hope- 4

22. Will Reed- 4

23. Huw Anderson- 4.5 

Ahead of the encounter, head coach Matt Sherratt insisted his side had to be at their best against Munster, and they certainly delivered. Tries from Gabe Hamer-Webb, Harri Millard, Johan Mulder and a penalty try saw Cardiff end the Irish side’s 10-match winning streak against Welsh regions as they triumphed 26-21 at a raucous Cardiff Arms Park.

This result also means Cardiff are still in contention for a top-eight spot, despite the shock news that the club was placed temporarily into administration earlier in the month, which was later averted by the Welsh Rugby Union. 

With the added motivation of it being the Blue and Blacks’ final home game in the United Rugby Championship this season, it was the hosts who started the stronger. After a brilliant break from loosehead, Danny Southworth who quickly offloaded to Mulder, who looked to have scored the opening points of the evening. However, after a TMO check, referee Gianluca Gnecchi disallowed the try due to a forward pass in the build-up. 

Despite the early exchanges being in favour of the Blue and Blacks, it was the visitors who claimed the opening points. After pressuring the hosts’ defence scrum half, Craig Casey quickly spread the ball out wide for winger, Calvin Nash to score on 12 minutes. The Irish province side then found themselves down to 14 men as Fineen Wycherley was sent off for ten minutes. With the one-man advantage, and after scoring a hat-trick last weekend at Judgement Day, Hamer-Webb crossed for his fifth of the season. Outside half, Sheedy was unable to add the extras. (5-7). 

However, the lead that the visitors had was short lived as Taulupe Faletau made a brilliant break, which brought his side up into the Munster 22. Then a quick offload from the number eight resulted in Millard quickly crossing the whitewash. Before the interval, Munster found themselves back in front as fullback Mike Haley scored, and Jack Crowley slotted the extras. 

HT: Cardiff 12-14 Munster 

There was an edgy start to proceedings in the opening to the second half, with the sense of both teams knowing exactly what a win would do for their play off hopes. The visitors crossed after outside centre Tom Farrell brilliantly broke through the hosts’ defence to score the Irish province’s sides third of the contest.

Then after a kick into the corner after the visitors were penalised the Blue and Blacks found themselves metres from the Munster line. From the catch and drive referee, Gnecchi awarded a penalty try after blindside Jack O’Donaghue came from an offside position to halt Liam Belcher from touching down. O’Donaghue was then shown the visitors second yellow card of the evening.

Cardiff regained the lead for the first time since the 28th minute as after being denied in the first half scrum half, Mulder powered his way over. Ben Thomas then converted the extras which saw the Blue and Blacks end their heartache of a 12 game losing streak against Irish sides as they claimed a bonus point win at the Arms Park.

FT: Cardiff 26-21 Munster

Openside Nathan Hudd grabbed a try on his 80th appearance but a second half comeback from Pontypool RFC saw the hosts claim the spoils.

Joe Goodchild, Ethan Lloyd and Joe Williams also crossed which meant the Blue and Blacks secured top spot of Super Rygbi Cymru despite a frustrating afternoon at Pontypool Park for Dan Fish’s men.

With the overnight rain being no more, playing conditions were perfect for both sides. It was the hosts who started the quicker with a penalty kick from Kieran Meek, despite the visitors having back-to-back penalties early on.

Pooler were then reduced to 14-men as referee, Matthew Leon awarded former Cardiff player Morgan Allen a yellow card for being offside. Harri Wilde then kicked into the corner and from the resulting catch and drive, Nathan Hudd crossed for his third try of the season as the Blue and Blacks went into the lead after 15 minutes.

Five minutes later, the Blue and Blacks showed some brilliant handling skills as Kodie Stone offloaded back inside for Joe Goodchild to show his pace and crossover to extend his sides early lead. Wilde’s boot was instrumental in extending the visitor’s lead even more as he slotted three from the boot, which meant proceedings were 13-3 prior to the half an hour mark.

The hosts did however respond accordingly as openside, Ryan Jones broke through the Blue and Blacks defence and put Pooler upfield. Then after some quick offloads out wide fullback, Harry Jarvis scored. Moments later for the second time in the encounter the hosts found themselves down to 14-men again as scrum-half, Morgan Lloyd was sent off for ten minutes after a deliberate knock on.

Wilde then kicked to the corner, and after a successful take at the lineout, Ethan Lloyd broke away and crossed the whitewash to score his sixth try of the season. The hosts immediately following this were on the hunt for their second of the afternoon after Dragons RFC, Steve Cummins put them metres from the whitewash. However, after some heroic defending back row, Lucas de la Rua brilliantly turned the ball over which relieved pressure on the Blue and Blacks. The hosts again were close to the Cardiff line, but this time around referee Leon, awarded returning Cam Tyler-Grocott a yellow card,

After some more pressure on the Blue and Blacks defence, Scott Matthews found his way over to conclude an entertaining opening 40 minutes.

HT: Pontypool 17-20 Cardiff

The hosts started the second half the better as after returning from his yellow card, Morgan Lloyd scored Pooler’s third of the afternoon. On 47 minutes Pontypool thought they scored their fourth of the encounter but referee, Leon disallowed the try due to a tip tackle in the ruck and outside half, Wilde kicked to relieve pressure.

This was however followed by Kieran Meek slotting a trio of penalties which put Pooler into a 13 point lead going into the final quarter. The one sided theme of the second half continued into the closing moments as replacement, Adam Stratton crossed for the hosts fourth of the contest.

The Blue and Blacks did respond on 75 minutes as Joe Williams brilliantly blocked a clearance kick and regathered to score his fourth try of the season. This was followed by Pontypool scoring their fifth of the afternoon as Harry Jarvis bagged his brace which meant Pooler gained revenge from their meeting earlier in the season over Cardiff.

The Blue and Blacks will now have a week off before they return to action as they will host the winner of Wild Card Game 1 in Quarter Final 1.

FT: Pontypool 47-27 Cardiff

Despite a late try from Benji Williams, it proved not to be enough as Llandovery triumphed 48-43 in a 14-try thriller over Cardiff. 

Before kickoff, there was a moment of reflection as the Arms Park remembered Alun Priday, Cliff Howe, Cenydd Williams and Brian Jones.

Llandovery’s Sam Potter got the action underway, and it didn’t take long for the Blue and Blacks to make an immediate impact. After a brilliant turnover from Dewi Cross, it was followed by a quick offload to Tom Bowen, who kicked in behind the Drovers’ defence.

Then, inside centre, Steffan Emanuel won the footrace as he crossed over for the opening try of the afternoon. The hosts then found themselves on the front foot again as fullback, Matty Young broke through Llandovery’s defence. Harri Wilde’s boot was instrumental as he spotted space on the outside and put in a brilliant crossfield kick, which played into the hands of Young, who scored his seventh try of the season. 

The Drovers then responded accordingly, crossing over for their opening try on 11 minutes. Scrum-half Lee Rees made a break and then offloaded to Llien Morgan, who scored. The Blue and Blacks lead then narrowed even more as Joe Powell crossed over in the corner and after 15 minutes, the deficit was just five points. However, there was an early replacement after the visitors scored as try scorer Steffan Emanuel was replaced by Joe Goodchild. 

Fullback Matty Young was of great use in the making of the hosts’ third of the afternoon after a brilliant take under the highball. After some excellent handling, Jason Harries scored his fifth try of the season. The Blue and Blacks then showcased some outstanding defence as they held the visitors out for an extended period at the beginning of the second quarter.

Despite more defensive skills being on display, after a catch and drive, a few phases followed and blindside, Osian Davies powered over. The visitors found themselves in the Blue and Blacks 22 again as Llien Morgan claimed their fourth of the afternoon after scoring in the corner. Jack Maynard added the extras, which meant that after 25 minutes, the visitors gained the lead for the first time.

There was another early replacement for the hosts as after a long break in play Dewi Cross was replaced by Joe Williams who dropped onto the wing. Llandovery’s lead grew even more before the half an hour mark, and this came from some brilliant thinking around the lineout which allowed loosehead, Jamie Hughes to power over.

Despite this, the hosts finished a very entertaining opening 40 the better as Matty Young claimed his brace after showing impressive footwork. Outside half, Harri Wilde added the extras to make it a one-point game going in at the break.

HT: Cardiff 26-27 Llandovery

Just like the first half, the hosts started quickly as they regained the lead for the first time since the 25th minute. Joe Goodchild put the Blue and Blacks in a great attacking position which was then followed by Harri Wilde utilising his boot yet again with a brilliant crossfield kick.

This then allowed replacement Joe Williams to gather and step back inside to claim his fourth try of the season. On 50 minutes, that lead was no more for the hosts as Osian Davies ran a brilliant line to score his second of the match. The visitor then added to their lead as outside-half, Sam Potter crossed after a brilliant pass from his counterpart in the half-backs, Lee Rees.

With time running out, Jac Davies crossed over which meant at the time of the score the visitors had claimed an extra bonus point. However, Harri Wilde converted a penalty which took that extra bonus point from the Drovers. Then, with the clock deep into the red, Benji Williams showed his pace as he ran from over 50 metres to score his third of the season and also claimed the Blue and Blacks two losing bonus points. 

FT: Cardiff 43-48 Llandovery  

After picking up the maximum 10 points from their opening two games in the BKT United Rugby Championship, Ivan Van Rooyen’s side continued their unbeaten start, but this time against the ‘Men of Gwent’.

Tries from Player of the Match Jarod Cairns and Quan Horn, accompanied by the boots of both Nico Steyn and Sanele Nohamba, were enough for the Lions to overcome the Dragons in their first away outing of the season.

It was a fast start to proceedings at Rodney Parade, with possession equally being shared, and the first real attacking opportunity came after the visitors knocked the ball on. After a successful scrum, Aneurin Owen offloaded to Joe Westwood, who broke through the Lions’ defence and put the hosts up into the opposition’s 22. However, the ‘Men of Gwent’ were penalised at the breakdown, and the visitors kicked to relieve pressure. 

The deadlock was broken on the 10-minute mark after Francke Horne took it quickly at the scrum and offloaded to scrum-half Morne van den Berg, who put the visitors into the host’s 22. Then, after a few phases, the ball was spread quickly to the outside for fullback Horn to cross the whitewash. 

The hosts responded accordingly, as it was great vision from Harri Keddie, who from inside his own half, read the Lions’ attack expertly and intercepted to crossover for his second of the season. Lloyd Evans added the extras to bring proceedings back level on 14 minutes.

The visitors were then reduced to 14 men after the TMO intervened and resulted in hooker Franco Marais being shown a yellow card after kicking the ball out of Rhodri Williams’ hands at the ruck. The Dragons kicked to the corner, and after falling just short of the South African’s line after the catch and drive, Taine Basham crossed over for his second of the season after breaking away. The visitors reduced the deficit after the hosts were penalised and outside-half, Steyn added the three before the half-hour mark. Steyn’s boot was instrumental again as he put his side into a 13-12 lead at the break after the hosts were penalised at the breakdown. 

HT: Dragons 12-13 Lions 

The hosts started the better after the break, and after bursting into the visitor’s 22, referee Filippo Russo awarded the hosts a penalty. Evans kicked to the corner, and a successful take at the lineout followed. With momentum in their favour, the hosts added continuous pressure on the Lions’ defence, and Basham eventually crossed over for his second after powerfully breaking through. Moments later, the hosts were penalised, and replacement Nohamba converted the three to reduce the deficit to just three.

That deficit was no more as after an offload back inside from winger Edwill van der Merwe played into the hands of openside Cairns, who powered his way through the Dragons’ defence to score the visitors’ second. Nohamba slotted the extras and put the visitors back in front for the first time since the 14th minute.

On the 68-minute mark, replacement Will Reed had only been on the field for several minutes and had the opportunity to make it a one-point game. This came after the Lions were penalised at the breakdown. However, his shot deflected off the left post, and the visitors kicked downfield. 

With time running out for the hosts, they were penalised at the scrum after not driving straight, and the Lions kicked into the corner. Then, after a successful take at the lineout, a few phases followed, and Dan Lydiate expertly turned the ball over and won his side a penalty. With the clock now in the red, they looked to run from their own 22, but the visitors won a penalty and kicked the ball dead to record their third consecutive win of the season.    

Dragons RFC: 19

Tries: Harri Keddie (14), Taine Basham (24, 42)

Conversions: Lloyd Evans (2)

Penalties: 

Drop Goals: 

Yellow Cards: 

Red Cards: 

15. Angus O’Brien, 14. Rio Dyer, 13. Joe Westwood, 12. Aneurin Owen, 11. Ewan Rosser, 10. Lloyd Evans, 9. Rhodri Williams, 1. Rodrigo Martinez, 2. Brodie Coghlan, 3. Leon Brown, 4. Ben Carter (C), 5 Matthew Screech, 6. Shane Lewis-Hughes, 7. Harri Kedie, 8. Taine Basham 

Replacements: 16. Oli Burrows, 17. Cameron Jones, 18. Chris Coleman, 19. Ryan Woodman, 20. Dan Lydiate, 21, Dane Blacker, 22. Will Reed, 23. Harry Wilson

Lions Rugby: 23

Tries: Quan Horn (10), Jarod Cairns (51)

Conversions: Nico Steyn (1), Sanele Nohamba (1)

Penalties: Steyn (27, 40) Nohamba (48)

Drop Goals:

Yellow Cards: Franco Marais (23)

Red Cards:

15. Quan Horn, 14. Rabz Maxwane, 13. Erich Cronje, 12. Rynhardt Jonker, 11. Edwill van den Merwe, 10. Nico Steyn, 9. Morne van den Berg, 1. Juan Schoeman, 2. Franco Marais, 3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 4. Reinhard Nothnagel, 5. Darrien Landsberg, 6. JC Pretorius, 7. Jarod Cairns, 8. Francke Horn (C)  

Replacements: 16. PJ Botha, 17. Heiko Pohlmann, 18. Conraad van Vuuren, 19. Ruben Schoeman, 20. Renzo Du Plessis, 21. Sanele Nohamba, 22. Marius Louw, 23. Henco van Wyk

Match Officials:

Referee: Filippo Russo (FIR)

Assistant Referee 1: Adam Jones (WRU)

Assistant Referee 2: Rhys Jones (WRU) 

TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)

Player of the Match: Jarod Cairns

The Blue and Blacks enter the contest against the Wizards in good form and will be looking to build on last weekend’s hard-fought bonus-point win against Swansea.

Tom Bowen showed his brilliance again as he scored his second hat-trick of the season, and this was accompanied by tries from Ethan Lloyd, Benji Williams and Steffan Emanuel as Dan Fish’s side recorded a 38-29 victory. 

That win also meant that they returned to pole position after Newport’s defeat to Llandovery mid-week and now sit on 22 points after the first five games. The closest rivals for the Blue and Blacks are Gwent side Ebbw Vale, who moved to second place after successfully defending the SRC Shield against Josh Leach’s Rygbi Gogledd Cymru side. 

Team News:

1.Marc Thomas

2. Alun Rees

3. Thomas Harper

4. Ethan Phillips

5. Craig Hudd (C)

6. Evan Rees

7. Lucas de la Rua

8. Benji Williams

9. Sion Davies

10. Harri Wilde

11. Dewi Cross

12. Like Pollock

13. Elijah Evans

14. Kodie Stone

15. Joe Goodchild

Replacements:

16. Gavin Parry

17. Jarred Williams

18. Christian Brooke

19. Aled Ward

20. Matty Bridge

21. Ethan Lloyd

22. Jason Harries

23. Matty Young

Pre-Match Thoughts 

Captain, Craig Hudd who sits at the top of the table of most turnovers won (13), said: “The feeling amongst the squad is very positive. We played some nice expansive rugby on Saturday and enjoyed playing at St Helen’s on a perfect Autumn day. 

“We weren’t surprised by anything. Swansea are a good outfit, and we knew they would try and play just as we do, and I think it made for a good running game of rugby.” 

With Cardiff sitting at the table, Hudd added: “I don’t believe there is any pressure, we don’t pay attention to anything outside of our camp. We just focus on each game and prepare correctly for that each week. We just need to keep playing the way we are, and we have a few work-ons from the game on Saturday, so it’s just about tidying up a few parts of our game. 

“We’re expecting a strong set piece and a good team. We know that it’s going to be a tough game at home, just as any game in this league is, so we need to be at our best to get the result we want,” Hudd concluded.

To hear Head Coach Dan Fish thoughts ahead of the game check out the link below:

https://youtu.be/-y_QbKCwhvU?feature=shared

Remember the last meeting at the Arms Park? 

The last time these two met in the Capital was in November last year when the Blue and Blacks ran in 10 tries. That day saw former Blue and Blacks Joey Tomlinson and Morgan Allen pick up a brace each. Arwel Robson, Dewi Cross, Joe Goodchild, Jacob Lloyd, Nathan Hudd, and Shaun O’Rourke cross the whitewash as Cardiff recorded a 64-26 win.

Opposition Form

Jason Hyatt’s Aberavon sits in ninth on five points, having lost three of their opening four games. The losses have come to Ebbw Vale (34-22), Newport (29-19) and Bridgend Ravens (29-28). Like many sides in the SRC, Aberavon has a very young squad with an average age of 23 and only four 30-year-olds.

This will be the Wizard’s fifth game of the season, as their home game against Newport at the end of September was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. One player to watch is winger Corey Lewis-Jenkins, who scored a brilliant try in the Wizards’ last outing.

Head-to-Head

Previous meetings between the two play into the hands of the Blue and Black as they have won the last three matches. The previous time Aberavon recorded a win over the Blue and Blacks was in December 2022, when they won 30-23 at the Talbot Athletic Ground. The last time the Wizards won at the Arms Park was in December 2015, when they won 24-8.

Those unable to be there on Saturday can stay up-to-date with live updates on our social media channels (X, Facebook, and Instagram).

The Blue and Blacks will be looking to carry on the momentum and remain top of the Super Rygbi Cymru table before the break as they take on Scott Baldwin’s Bridgend. Supporters are advised that the game will kick-off at a later time of 16:15.

This encounter is part of a huge day of rugby at the Arms Park as following our match, Cardiff Rugby will take on Ulster Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship (19:35 KO). The gates will open at 15:15 as Cardiff RFC kick-off an action packed day. 

In the Blue and Blacks last outing they overturned a 14-0 deficit against Aberavon last weekend, tries from Ethan Phillips, Harri Wilde, Alun Rees, Jason Harries and Dewi Cross meant Dan Fish’s men sit on 28 points and are in pole position in Super Rygbi Cymru. 

Team News: 

1. Rhys Barratt

2. Alun Rees

3. Christian Brooke

4. Ethan Phillips

5. Sean Moore (C)

6. Craig Hudd

7. Lucas de la Rua

8. Mackenzie Martin

9. Ethan Lloyd

10. Harri Wilde

11. Dewi Cross

12. Steffan Emanuel

13. Elijah Evans

14. Tom Bowen

15. Matty Young

Replacement:

16. Gavin Parry

17. Jarred Williams

18. Thomas Harper

19. Aled Ward

20. Benji Williams

21. Sion Davies

22. Jason Harries

23. Joe Goodchild

Pre-match thoughts: 

Head coach, Dan Fish said: “We are looking forward to Saturday, it’s going to be a good occasion with us playing before the senior game.

“It’s the last game of the block and we are looking to finish off in style. We have had a good start to the season but know we must come well prepared for Bridgend on Saturday who have also had a good start to the season.

“It’s been a tough selection this week with all players putting their hands up and that’s a credit to them and the strength in-depth we are creating.

“Lastly like to thank the boys for the hard work they have put it so far and to enjoy the week’s rest before we come back to prepare for another big block,” Fish concluded.

Remember the last meeting at the Arms Park? 

The last time these two met in the capital was at the end of January this year where it finished 38-23 in favour of the Blue and Blacks. That day saw Joe Goodchild score a brace and also, Alun Rees, Nathan Hudd and Harrison James all crossed over as Cardiff made it three wins on the bounce to begin 2024 with a bang.

Opposition form 

After starting the new season with back-to-back defeats to Gwent sides Newport and Pontypool, the Ravens come into Saturday’s contest on 18 points. Scott Baldwin’s men have tasted victory over Aberavon and made it back-to-back wins over Swansea. 

However, last timeout at the Brewery Field the Ravens lost 34-18 to Ebbw Vale who sit just two points behind the Blue and Blacks. 

Head-to-Head 

Historically, previous meetings between the two sides play into the hands of Cardiff having won their last four home matches over the Ravens. The last time Bridgend won in the capital was back in January 2017 when it finished 24-15. 

That day was the Blue and Blacks last home challenge match of the 2016-17 season and tries from Nicky Boyce, Jamie Murphy and Joe Gatt guided the Ravens to victory on that day. 

Those unable to attend on Saturday can stay updated with live updates on our social media channels (X, Facebook, and Instagram).