Blues v Ospreys: Teams
Cardiff welcome back British & Irish Lions duo Martyn Williams and Gethin Jenkins for the Magners League clash with Ospreys.
Last Updated: 31/12/08 4:36pm
Cardiff welcome back British & Irish Lions duo Martyn Williams and Gethin Jenkins for the Magners League clash with Ospreys on New Year's Eve.
Blues have endured a difficult start to the domestic campaign but three wins in their last four games in all competitions has given them a platform for the second half of the season.
However, director of rugby Dai Young will be without centre Jamie Robinson and prop Gary Powell through injury.
"The Ospreys are a quality outfit and we will have to be at our best to get the points," Young said.
"We know what they will bring to the party, and both teams will not only be looking to pick up points in the Magners League, but I imagine they will also building towards the Heineken Cup matches in January.
"Both teams have got better as the season has progressed so it will be interesting to see how much we've developed."
Biggar gets the nod
Ospreys have named Wales international full-back Lee Byrne on the wing for the derby game with the number fifteen jersey remaining with Gavin Henson.
Coach Sean Holley also gone with youngster Dan Biggar at fly-half ahead of James Hook - who will start from the bench - in a strong line-up.
"We go into the final Christmas derby on the back of an excellent result at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, and we face a Blues side that has been playing really well this season," Holley said.
"They have a settled side and that has resulted in them enjoying a very productive time of late, with some good performances and notable victories.
"The next two matches, against the Blues and Munster, are very important games for us, in terms of keeping our momentum going in the Magners League.
"Our focus is entirely on maintaining a strong challenge at the top of the table before attentions turn to European competition again.
"We've only had a few days to prepare for this match, but after a quick turnaround, the 22 selected are entirely focused on the challenge that lies in store and are looking forward to enjoying another derby match in front of a big crowd, with a passionate atmosphere."
Cardiff Blues: 15 Ben Blair, 14 Richard Mustoe, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Gareth Thomas, 11 Tom James, 10 Nicky Robinson, 9 Jason Spice, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Maama Molitika, 5 Paul Tito, (c) 4 Deiniol Jones, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 2 Gareth Williams, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 John Yapp, 17 T Rhys Thomas, 18 Scott Morgan, 19 Robin Sowden-Taylor, 20 Darren Allinson, 21 Ceri Sweeney, 22 Leigh Halfpenny.
Ospreys: 15 Gavin Henson, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Lee Byrne, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Filo Tiatia, 7 Marty Holah, 6 Ryan Jones (c), 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Ian Gough, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Ed Shervington, 17 Cai Griffiths, 18 Jonathan Thomas, 19 Tom Smith, 20 Jamie Nutbrown, 21 James Hook, 22 Jonny Vaughton.