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The Blue and Blacks will be looking to carry on where they left off in block one of Super Rygbi Cymru, where they won six of their opening seven. In their last outing on October 26th, the Blue and Blacks recorded an emphatic 47-14 win over Bridgend Ravens. 

Dewi Cross scored twice as Alun Rees, Aled Ward, Jason Harries, Benji Williams and Elijah Evans all crossed the whitewash as the Blue and Blacks headed into the break in pole position sat on 34 points.

Team News: 

1. Danny Southworth

2. Alun Rees

3. Joe Cowell

4. Ethan Phillips

5. Sean Moore (c)

6. Craig Hudd

7. Lucas de la Rua

8. Benji Williams

9. Ethan Lloyd

10. Harri Wilde

11. Dewi Cross

12. Steffan Emanuel

13. Elijah Evans

14. Tom Bowen

15. Joe Goodchild

Replacements:

16. Gavin Parry

17. Marc Thomas

18. Tom Harper

19. Evan Rees

20. Aled Ward

21. Sion Davies

22. Osian Darwin-Lewis

23. Luke Pollock

Pre-Match Thoughts

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Tom Harper said: “The boys have enjoyed the time off, it’s different to the usual format but the break has allowed us to work on a few aspects of our game and get some well earned rest after the first block. 

“We enjoyed a rest week after the Bridgend game, but since then we have been working hard as a group to prepare for this next block. We have had some on field sessions mixed in with some conditioning in the gym.

“There is a real positivity about our start to the season and it has set the standard. We are looking forward to the next block and maintaining that standard,” Harper added.

On facing Llandovery, Harper continued: “Llandovery are always a tough physical opposition with a solid set piece and some quality in the backs. We are looking forward to the challenge that brings.

“It would be great to leave Church Bank with a win and would mean a lot to us as a group. Leading us nicely into the coming games and set a statement to the rest of the SRC,” he concluded.

Head coach, Dan Fish said: “We are looking forward to getting back on the pitch this weekend.

“It’s a good challenge for us going up against the champions. We have a good squad and team selection is becoming more difficult which is a credit to the boys and their hard work. A tough block coming up and we can’t wait to get stuck in,” Fish added.

Opposition form: 

After a historic season last year, during which the Drovers won both the Indigo Premiership title and the WRU Cup, they currently have 23 points, having won four of their opening seven. Euros Evans’ men have recorded wins over Pontypool (21-18) and three wins on the bounce to conclude block one against Newport (30-28), Swansea (42-13) and Aberavon (33-26). 

Llandovery were also awarded the SRC Challenge Shield before the start of the season, which is similar to New Zealand’s Ranfurly Shield. This is where the holder will put up the shield for competition in every home game of the regular season. However, in their first defence, the Drovers lost 31-28 to Ebbw Vale, who now hold the shield. 

Remember the last meeting at Church Bank? 

They last met in the playoff semi-final in May when the Drovers recorded a 34-13 win as they ran in four second-half tries. Tries from Ioan Hughes and Kian Abraham accompanied a brace by Macs Page saw the Drovers end the Blue and Blacks 2023/24 season. 

Head-to-Head

Cardiff and Llandovery have met 45 times since their first encounter in 1990, when the Blue and Blacks won 52-13. Over the years, the Drovers have had the upper hand, winning 23 of the 45 meetings. 

The last time the Blue and Blacks recorded a win at Church Bank was back in April 2022. That day, Mason Grady scored a hat-trick, and Max Llewelyn, Morgan Allen, Sean Moore and Alun Rees scored as Cardiff won 41-21 in the Tywi Valley. 

Those unable to make the trip to Church Bank on Saturday can stay updated via live updates on our social media channels (X, Facebook, and Instagram).

The Blue and Blacks will travel to Newport Stadium on Saturday as they rematch their old rivals after their last outing, where Newport RFC won 27-20. 

In the latest instalment of this rivalry in front of S4C cameras, tries from Ben Roach, Oli Andrew and Harri Ackerman, accompanied by the boot of Player of the Match Jac Lloyd, saw the Black and Ambers make it back-to-back wins.

However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for Newport, as tries from Alun Rees, Joe Goodchild, and Josh Thomas weren’t enough as Dan Fish’s men recorded their first defeat at home this season.

So, can Cardiff finish 2024 with a win on Saturday afternoon? (KO 2:30)

Team News: 

1. Rhys Barratt

2. Alun Rees

3. Joe Cowell 

4. Craig Hudd 

5. Sean Moore 

6. Lucas de la Rua 

7. Nathan Hudd 

8. Benji Williams

9. Ethan Lloyd

10. Harri Wilde

11. Jason Harries 

12. Fraser Jones 

13. Elijah Evans 

14. Joe Goodchild 

15. Josh Thomas 

Replacements: 

16. Charlie Manship 

17. Marc Thomas

18. Tom Harper 

19. Ethan Phillips 

20. Aled Ward 

21. Evan Rees

22. Sion Davies 

23. Osian Darwin-Lewis 

Pre-Match Thoughts: Speaking ahead of the game, Captain Sean Moore said: “Yeah it was a tough game. Very physical which is what you expect from those games against Newport.

“We just weren’t clinical enough when it counted towards the end of the game. We had plenty of chance and didn’t convert them into points. Probably trying to score 2/3 phases earlier than we needed to.

“Nothing really surprised us I would say, they’re a quality team and we know it’s never going to be an easy game. They just took their chances when they had them.

“Like I said at the start Fishy said to us after the game we’ve got away with not being at the level we know we can be in those first block of games and now we are playing teams at the top of the table we’ve come out on the wrong side of the scoreline in the last two weeks.

“We need to make sure we start to convert the pressure we were putting on Newport into points and just be more clinical all around to allow us to win these games.

“I can’t imagine either side changing too much in a week considering it’s Christmas week and neither side will have as much preparation time as we normally would. So I’d imagine it’s going to be more of the same with some minor tweaks, but hopefully the weather will hold out and we can throw the ball around a bit more than we managed to on Saturday.

“Obviously we want to get the win on Saturday to keep us pushing for the top of the table, especially with it being a chance to set some wrongs right from last week which is a good thing about the back to back games against Newport. We know it’s going to be tough and just got to go into it with the right attitude and hopefully come out on the right side of the scoreline come Saturday,” Moore concluded.

Remember the last meeting in Newport? 

The last time the Blue and Blacks travelled to Newport was in March this year as they faced Ty Morris’ men at Rodney Parade. That day, the Black and Ambers recorded a 28-14 win, as scores from Joshua Skinner, Che Hope, and two from Chay Foster-Smith saw the Black and Ambers record a bonus point win. 

Cardiff did come close to leaving Newport with a losing bonus point as tries from Sean Moore and Luke Pollock made the scoreline more respectable. 

Those unable to make it to Newport Stadium on Saturday can stay up to date with live updates via our social media channels (X, Facebook and Instagram). 

Cardiff RFC who remain in second place after a hard fought 36-30 win over Newport last weekend, will be aiming to start the New Year with bang at the Arms Park.

A picturesque finish by Joe Goodchild on 73 minutes secured the Blue and Blacks a much needed win to end 2024 on a high. Also crossing the whitewash that day was Alun Rees, Sean Moore, Nathan Hudd and a brace from Elijah Evans.

The visitors for Saturday’s encounter come into the game having picked up their first win of the season against Aberavon at St Helens. Despite drawing 0-0 at the break a penalty try and Josh Phillips penalty saw The Whites win 10-8.

This round of SRC fixtures will also see the introduction of four new laws being applied; 

1. 60-second conversion limit to align with penalties and improve game pace. This will be managed by a shot clock where possible. 
2. 30-second setup for lineouts will match time for scrums to reduce downtime. This will be managed by the match officials. 
3. Play-on rule in uncontested lineouts when the throw is not straight 
4. Scrum-half protection during scrums, rucks, and mauls.

Team News:

1.Marc Thomas

2. Alun Rees

3. Tom Harper

4. Craig Hudd

5. Sean Moore

6. Evan Rees

7. Lucas de la Rua

8. Benji Williams

9. Ethan Lloyd

10. Josh Thomas

11. Kodie Stone

12. Jason Harries

13. Luke Pollock

14. Edmund Anya

15. Joe Goodchild

Replacements:

16. Charlie Manship

17. Jarred Williams

18. Joe Cowell

19. Ethan Phillips

20. Aled Ward

21. William Jameson

22. Joe Williams

23. Fraser Jones

Pre-Match Thoughts:

Speaking on the fixture head coach, Dan Fish said: “After two close fought Christmas crackers we look forward to welcoming Swansea for the last game of this block.

“We are looking to build on the momentum from a great win last weekend and know that Swansea will be just as tough after their close win against Aberavon last weekend.

“We have prepared well and look forward to a fast start in 2025.

“We hope all the Blue and Black faithful had a great Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing them Saturday.”

Remember the last meeting at the Arms Park?

The last time these two met was back in March where Cardiff wore their away strip of red and black as they won a 11-try thriller, 38-33. The game was brought forward two days due to Wales Women’s Six Nations campaign getting underway on the Saturday.

Tries from Sean Moore, Craig Hudd, Morgan Allen, Joe Williams, Harrison James and Kodie Stone saw the Blue and Blacks run in six tries. It wasn’t all plain sailing for the Blue and Blacks as around the 20-minute mark the visitors ran riot. Tries from Brandon Wood, Harri Blu Houston and Cai Davies so the Whites score three times in the space of five minutes.

If you are unable to make the game on Saturday at the Arms Park you can stay up-to-date with live updates across our social media channels (X, Facebook and Instagram).

Dan Fish’s men travel to Church Bank on Saturday afternoon where they play their first of four matches in the SRC Cup against the Drovers (KO: 2:30). 

This Cup competition has been introduced to take place during the Guinness Six Nations. There is going to be four rounds and a final. There will be two pools of five clubs, each playing two home and two away fixtures. The winners of each group will go head-to-head in the Cup Final. 

The Blue and Blacks were drawn in Pool A alongside, Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC), Aberavon, Bridgend Ravens and Llandovery where we get our Cup action underway. We then host RGC a week later before travelling to the Dunraven Brewery Field to face Scott Baldwin’s Bridgend. Before concluding the Pool stage at home against Aberavon on March 1^st. 

Cardiff come into the opening Pool game on the back of wins over Newport (36-30) and Swansea (32-22). Whereas Saturday’s hosts come into the encounter having played last weekend against Pontypool where they won 38-27 at Church Bank. 

Team News: 

1. Marc Thomas

2. Gavin Parry

3. Christian Brooke 

4. Ethan Phillips

5. Sean Moore (C)

6. Craig Hudd

7. Nathan Hudd 

8. Aled Ward

9. Joe Williams 

10. Fraser Jones 

11. Fin Hart

12. Jason Harries 

13. Joe Goodchild 

14. Edmund Anya 

15. Kodie Stone 

Replacements:

16. Charlie Manship

17. Jared Williams

18. Callum Donaghue-Proud

19. Evan Rees

20. Will Jameson

21. Ollie Das

22. Lloyd Lucas

23. Ioan Penry

Pre-Match Thoughts: 

Speaking ahead of the game after being recently appointed into the Cardiff RFC coaching setup, Rory Thornton said: “Really enjoying it with (Cardiff) RFC currently, it will be the highest level of coaching l’ve done to date so looking forward to the challenge.

“Even though l’ve only been in the role for the last couple of weeks it’s been an easy transition in as forwards coach. It helps having not just a good group of players but players who are good blokes.

“It gives me a good opportunity to have a taste of this level of coaching in the SRC and hopefully challenge me as a coach. I’m also looking to complete my level 3 coaching, which will open up opportunities coaching wise in the future.

“To be honest how easy the boys have adapted to the change. It’s a big change during the season for a new coach to come in and the forwards have adapted brilliantly.

“Obviously it’s going to be an intense and physical game. We know what threats they have. But it’s our focus as coaches to bring our Cardiff RFC game to them,” Thornton concluded.

Also speaking ahead of the encounter head coach, Dan Fish said: “Excited to see the young boys have an opportunity in the cup.

“Few boys unavailable, opens up chances for other players. Excited to see them play with the experienced boys around them to help and guide them through.

“Excited for the cup competition as it gives the young boys an opportunity and crack at men’s rugby.”

Remember the last meeting at Church Bank? 

The last time the Blue and Blacks travelled West to Llandovery was back in May where they concluded their 2023/2024 season at a very sunny Church Bank. Tries from Ioan Hughes, Kian Abraham and a brace from Macs Page saw the Drovers make it to their second consecutive final as they put aside the Blue and Blacks 34-13. 

At the time captain, Morgan Allen crossed just after the half hour mark to score the only try of the encounter as Arwel Robson kept it 100% from the kicking tee.  

Opposition Form:

The Drovers began their campaign in Super Rygbi Cymru, winning just one of their opening four matches. Those defeats came to RGC 1404 (28-23) and back-to-back defeats to Ebbw Vale (38-29, 31-28). However, since that 31-28 loss to the Steelmen, Euros Evans’ men have gone unbeaten and now sit in pole position in the SRC on 55 points. They have recorded wins over Newport, Swansea, Aberavon, Bridgend Ravens, RGC and have done the league double over Pontypool and Carmarthen Quins. 

For those unable to make the trip to Church Bank on Saturday afternoon you can stay up to date with live updates on our social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram).

Warren Gatland has announced his team to play France at the Stade de France on Friday, 31st January (kick-off 20:15, live on ITV1).

The main talking point, Cardiff Rugby’s Evan Lloyd starts for the very first time for Wales. The hooker came off the bench on five occasions last year and played in all of Wales’s Summer Tour matches.

Another surprise to the starting lineup is 33-year-old tighthead, Henry Thomas who like Lloyd will be making his first start for Wales. Thomas began his international career back in 2023 and in that year he appeared on four occasions.

An encounter with over 100-years of History

The pair have gone head-to-head since 1908 with a total of 104 matches. Wales have won on 51 occasions and Les Bleus have won 50 with the other three games being draws. However, the last time Wales tasted victory over France was in 2019 at the Oita Stadium, Japan where it finished 20-19.

A New Look Front Row

Ospreys loosehead, Gareth Thomas joins both hooker Lloyd and tighthead Thomas in the front row.

Mix of Young and Old in the Locks

33-year-old Will Rowlands will be joined by 22-year-old Dafydd Jenkins in the second row.

Welcome Return to the Back-Row

Aaron Wainwright is positioned at 8. Whilst Captain, Jac Morgan drops onto the openside as Cardiff Rugby’s, James Botham starts at blindslide.

New Duo in the Half-Backs

After spending the Autumn Nation Series wearing the number 12 shirt, Ben Thomas joins scrum-half Tomos Williams.

Experienced Centres

Having started together for Wales on four occasions, Owen Watkins gets the nod at inside-centre and Nick Tompkins completes an experienced centre partnership.

The paired together in the midfield last year against France, the coaching setup have taken a like to this partnership.

Intriguing Back Three

Ellis Mee is set to make his Wales debut on the left wing as Both experienced Liam Williams and Josh Adam complete are back involved as Scarlets left winger, Tom Rogers earns his sixth cap.

Two Debutants on the Bench

Gatland has opted for the traditional approach on the bench with the likes of Elliot Dee, Nicky Thomas, Freddie Thomas are some of the replacement forwards. Uncapped Dan Edwards is also named in the 23.

Wales Team to play France:

15. Liam Williams (Saracens, 92 Caps)

14. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, 59 Caps)

13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens, 38 Caps)

12. Owen Watkins (Ospreys, 42 Caps)

11. Ellis Mee (Scarlets, Uncapped) Tom Rogers (Scarlets, 5 Caps)

10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby, 7 Caps)

9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby, 59 Caps)

1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys, 35 Caps)

2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby, 2 Caps)

3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets, 4 Caps)

4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92, 36 Caps)

5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs, 8 Caps)

6. James Botham Cardiff Rugby, 16Caps)

7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys, 18 Caps ) – Captain

8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons RFC, 52 Caps)

Replacements:

16. Elliot Dee (Dragons RFC, 51 Caps)

17. Nicky Thomas (Leicester Tigers, 49 Caps)

18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby, 10 Caps)

19. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby, 2 Caps)

20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers, 23 Caps)

21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons RFC, 5 Caps)

22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys, Uncapped)

23. Blair Murray (Scarlets, 3 Caps)

Wales 2025 Six Nations Squad

Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 10 caps)
James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 16 caps)
Elliot Dee (Dragons – 51 caps)
Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby  – 104 caps)
Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 19 caps)
WillGriff John (Sale Sharks – 2 caps)
Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby – 5 caps)
Kemsley Mathias (Scarlets – 5 caps)
Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 18 caps)
Sam Parry (Ospreys  – 7 caps)
Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers  – 23 caps)
Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 36 caps)
Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 49 caps)
Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 35 caps)
Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – 1 cap)
Henry Thomas (Scarlets – 4 caps)
Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs – 15 caps)
Aaron Wainwright (Dragons  – 52 caps)
Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 2 caps)
Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 59 caps)
Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Rugby – 6 caps)
Dan Edwards (Ospreys / Gweilch – uncapped)
Josh Hathaway (Gloucester Rugby – 2 caps)
Eddie James (Scarlets – 3 caps)
Ellis Mee (Scarlets – uncapped)
Blair Murray (Scarlets – 3 caps)
Joe Roberts (Scarlets – 2 caps)
Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 5 caps)
Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 7 caps)
Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 38 caps)
Owen Watkin (Ospreys  – 42 caps)
Liam Williams (Saracens – 92 caps)
Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 5 caps)
Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 59 caps)

Warren Gatland has announced his team to play Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, 8th February (kick-off 14:15, live on ITV1)

One of the main talking points of the team announcement is that Eddie James will get his first start in this crucial encounter in Rome. James who plays in the United Rugby Championship with the Scarlets has earned three caps off the bench for Wales with his only start being against Queensland Reds in an uncapped match last summer.

The big ball carrier has replaced Owen Watkin who suffered a potential season ending injury last week in Paris, which means the 22-year-old starts at inside centre.

Taulupe Faletau has also been named in the starting XV after missing last weekend due to a knee problem. He will play his first match for Wales since October 2023, with injury being the major factor of his absence from the international stage.

The biggest game in 15-20 years for Wales

Former Wales flyhalf, Dan Biggar ahead of the clash said that this match in the Enternal city on Saturday is the biggest in nearly two decades. A win will see the end of the drought of not winning and picking up their first Six Nations win in two years.

No Changes to the Front Row

After a spirited performance last week, Gareth Thomas remains at loosehead, as following a tough evening in Paris, Henry Thomas starts at tighthead. Despite having a yellow card at a bad time last timeout, Evan Lloyd remains in the two jersey.

Lock Pairing Stays in Tact

Both Dafydd Jenkins and Will Rowland after a wholehearted performance against Les Bleus remain strong in the XV

A Welcome Return in the Back Row

Faletau makes his long awaited return and is joined by captain Jac Morgan who remains at openside after a heroic performance at the Stade de France. Cardiff Rugby’s James Botham remains on the blindside.

A Shock in the halfbacks

Despite many making the argument that Dan Edwards should be starting, Ben Thomas remains in the ten shirt and is joined by Tomos Williams.

One Change in the Centre

James is joined by Nick Tompkins who had a night not to remember against France as he starts at outside centre.

Back three remain the same

Josh Adams, Tom Rogers and Liam Williams all remain in the starting XV despite concerns of the fitness of 33-year-old Williams.

Wales team to play Italy:

15. Liam Williams (Saracens, 93 Caps)

14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets, 6 Caps)

13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens, 39 Caps)

12. Eddie James (Scarlets, 3 Caps)

11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, 60 Caps)

10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby, 8 Caps)

9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby, 60 Caps)

1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys, 36 Caps)

2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby, 3 Caps)

3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets, 5 Caps)

4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92, 37 Caps)

5.Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs, 9 Caps)

6.James Botham (Cardiff Rugby, 17 Caps)

7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys, 19 Caps) – Captain

8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby, 104 Caps)

Replacements

16. Elliot Dee (Dragons RFC, 52 Caps)

17. Nicky Thomas (Leicester Tigers, 50 Caps)

18. Kieron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby, 11 Caps)

19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby, 2 Caps)

20. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons RFC, 53 Caps)

21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons RFC, 6 Caps)

22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys, 1 Cap)

23. Blair Murray (Scarlets, 4 Caps)

Dan Fish’s men travel to the Dunraven Brewery Field to take on Bridgend Ravens on Saturday afternoon (2:30 pm). 

The Blue and Blacks come into the match on the back of returning to the top of the Super Rygbi Cymru table after putting aside RGC 34-26 at the Cardiff Arms Park.

The massive moment in the encounter came on 75 minutes as Lucas de la Rua scored the match-winning try, with Alun Rees, Jason Harries, Joe Goodchild, and Ethan Lloyd also crossing the whitewash. 

The hosts for Saturday afternoon’s encounter come into the game after a 36-25 loss to Aberavon at the Talbot Athletic Ground. The Ravens currently sit in fifth place on one point, whereas Dan Fish’s men sit in fourth on four points. 

This Cup competition was introduced to take place during the Guinness Six Nations. There are going to be four rounds and a final. There will be two pools of five clubs, each playing two home and two away fixtures. The winners of each group will go head-to-head in the Cup Final.

Team News: 

1.Jarred Williams

2. Charlie Manship

3. Tom Harper

4. Ethan Phillips

5. Craig Hudd (c)

6. Will Jameson

7. Gwilym Bradley

8. Mackenzie Martin

9. Joe Williams

10. Lloyd Lucas

11. Ollie Das

12. Fraser Jones

13. Luke Pollock

14. Edmund Anya

15. Kodie Stone

Replacements:

16. Gavin Parry

17. Christian Brooke

18. Callum Donaghue-Proud

19. Benji Williams

20. Alex Ward

21. Harper Chamberlain

22. Ethan Lloyd

23. Matty Young

Pre-match thoughts:

Speaking ahead of the game, head coach Dan Fish said: “Great to get the win last week in the league. 

“It’s back to the cup this weekend, so it’s another chance for us to change the team up and give boys opportunities. We have had a good week’s training and are looking forward to getting onto the field on Saturday.”

Remember the last meeting at the Dunraven Brewery Field?

The last time the Blue and Blacks travelled to Bridgend was in October last year when it finished 37-32. Tries from Will Davies-King, Harrison James, Dewi Cross, and James Beal, accompanied by the boot of Harrison James, saw Cardiff win narrowly. 

In a tightly contested match, Bridgend scored four times through Evan Yardley, Zac O’Driscoll, Chris Williams, and Rhys Williams, which saw the Ravens gain a losing bonus point. 

Head-to-Head

Saturday will be the 199th meeting between the two sides, with the first meeting back in 1881, when it finished 0-0. The Blue and Blacks have always had the upper hand, winning 104 of the current 198 meetings. The last meeting between the pair finished 47-14 in favour of Cardiff as a brace from winger Dewi Cross was joined by tries from Elijah Evans, Alun Rees, Aled Ward, Jason Harries and Benji Williams.

Those unable to make it to the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday afternoon can stay updated via our social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram).

Cardiff began the better of the two with a number of entries into the Ravens 22 with ill discipline proving to be an issue early on for the hosts.

Then on 7 minutes outside centre, Ryan Wilkins was sent off for ten minutes after a high tackle on Kodie Stone. Winger, Cameron Ellis broke up the right hand side and put the hosts’ metres out and then referee, Ben Connor awarded them a penalty.

Having opted for the scrum, the ball was spread quickly for Edd Howley to power his way over to break the deadlock at the end of the first quarter. After an overthrow at the lineout, the Blue and Blacks regathered possession and was spreading the ball nicely in the backline before Mccauley Rowley intercepted and raced over for the hosts’ second of the encounter.

From the restart, the Blue and Blacks won possession after referee, Connor awarded a penalty at the breakdown area. On his first start for Cardiff, Lloyd Lucas kicked brilliantly up into the Ravens 22 and after a successful take at the lineout a powerful driving maul followed. The hosts then were reduced to 14-men after they deliberately brought down the driving maul and the Blue and Blacks were awarded a penalty try. Second row, Barnaby Waddell was the culprit who was sent off for ten minutes.

The hosts’ lead was narrowed further, after Craig Hudd powered his way over for his first try of the season. Lloyd Lucas, added the extras as he put his side into the lead for the first time. However, the Blue and Blacks were penalised around the breakdown area and fullback, Edd Howley slotted the three to put his side back into the lead going in at the break.

HT: Bridgend Ravens 15-14 Cardiff

It took nearly quarter of an hour for the first try of the second half. This came after a brilliant kick in behind which Edd Howley regathered and crossed over. Moments later, Lloyd Lucas then crossed as he scored on his first start after some quick handling from the Blue and Blacks backline. However, Lucas was unable to put his side back into the lead as he had his shot deflect off the left upright.

With the rain then falling, Cardiff were looking for a way through to score to record their first win of the Super Rygbi Cup however, Ryan Wilkins in the closing moments crossed over as the Ravens recorded a 27-19 win at the Dunraven Brewery Field.

FT: Bridgend Ravens 27-19 Cardiff

The Blue and Blacks come into the game on the back of a 27-19 defeat against Bridgend Ravens. However, that day saw Craig Hudd score his first try of the season and in his first start for Cardiff RFC, Lloyd Lucas also crossed the whitewash.

The visitors for Saturday make their second trip of the season to Cardiff as the last time these two met was back in October. The Wizards last timeout fell to a 36-32 defeat against Newport but their last outing in the SRC Cup saw them put aside Bridgend 36-25. In doing so they crossed the whitewash on six occasions with Bradley Roderick claiming a brace and Ashton Evans, Elis Horgan, Harrison Doe and Gwilym Evans all picking up tries at the Talbot Athletic Ground.

Team News:

1. Jared Williams

2. Alun Rees

3. Tom Harper

4. Craig Hudd

5. Sean Moore (C)

6. Gwilym Bradley

7. Nathan Hudd

8. Mackenzie Martin

9. Ethan Lloyd

10. Josh Thomas

11. Dewi Cross

12. Jason Harries

13. Osian Darwin-Lewis

14. Kodie Stone

15. Joe Goodchild

Replacements:

16. Gavin Parry

17. Christian Brooke

18. Callum Donaghue-Proud

19. Ethan Phillips

20. Lucas de la Rua

21. Aled Ward

22. Joe Williams

23. Fraser Jones

Pre-Match Thoughts

Speaking ahead of the game, Craig Hudd said: “Yeah the boys are looking forward to being back at home this weekend and enjoying the game as we don’t have many left at home this season.

“It’s been good to see the younger boys get a chance to play and get an experience of what it’s like to play at this level and the physicality required to play. So definitely a good insight for them to see what is required and a good chance to experience the standard of rugby.

“Messages are to go out and express ourselves, but be clinical when we get opportunities as we are building towards the business end of the season. Now we need to develop a ruthless streak

“We are expecting a good game from them, they are a good team both upfront and out wide so we are expecting a tough game

“For us we always want to win every game and that is our mindset and how we always approach games but this specific game is important as it builds into the final few games which are vitality important for us,” added Hudd.

Remember the last meeting in Cardiff ?

As previously stated the last time the pair met was back in October last year where it finished 31-14 as winger, Dewi Cross scored on his 50th appearance as a Blue and Black.

Also crossing the whitewash was Alun Rees, Ethan Phillips, Harri Wilde and Jason Harries as they overturned a 14-0 deficit to claim the spoils.

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

Former Wales international T. Rhys Thomas has joined Matt Sherratt’s coaching setup as a skills coach for the remainder of the 2025 Six Nations.

He represented Cardiff, Dragons, Wasps and made 27 appearances for Wales. Like Sherratt, the 42-year-old will rejoin his club side Gloucester Rugby, where his role at the Gallagher Premiership side is to focus on developing players through the academy pathway into the senior side.

Thomas role will mainly focus on improving forwards skills as he will work closely with scrum consultant, Adam Jones and forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys.

“Firstly I would like to thank Gloucester and George Skivington for allowing me to take up this opportunity to join Wales for the remaining three Guinness Six Nations games.

“It’s all happened very quickly the past few days but I’m excited for the challenge and looking forward to getting stuck in, working with Matt and the other coaches,” said Thomas.

On the appointment, head coach Sherratt said: “I’m delighted that TR will be joining the coaching team and I’d like to thank Gloucester for allowing him to come on secondment to Wales. Having known TR for a number of years, I think he will be a great fit for the group.

“I’m excited to officially start in the role now and get preparations underway for our match against Ireland on Saturday.”