BLUES READY FOR CONNACHT KICK-OFF
The Blues triumphed over Connacht twice last term and Director of Coaching David Young will be asking for more of the same as he looks to improve on last season’s ninth place finish. Former Wales Captain Young has named three current Wales internationals in his side and hands competitive debuts to two summer signings.
Nick Robinson, who missed most of last season through injury, returns to the fold after a successful summer on tour with Wales whilst John Yapp and Robert Sidoli also start.
Nick Macleod returns to Full Back and new recruits Andy Powell and Mike Phillips make their first competitive appearances after both featured in the friendly against Bristol last Friday. The Blues narrowly lost to the Guinness Premiership team despite dominating play in the second half at the Memorial Ground but the game provided a valuable run-out for the Blues ahead of the new season.
Connacht Squad
Ray Hogan
Stephen Knoop
Dan McFarland
Ronan Loughney
John Fogarty
Chris Venter
Andrew Farley
Christian Short
Michael Swift
Colm Rigney
Brendan O¹Connor
John Muldoon
Matt Lacey
Chris Keane
Conor O¹Loughlin
David Slemen
Paul Warwick
Darren Yapp
Keith Matthews
Daniel Riordan
Conor McPhillips
Matt Mostyn
Blues
Nick Macleod
Chris Czekaj
Rhys Williams (capt)
Tristan Davies
Craig Morgan
Nicky Robinson
Mike Phillips
John Yapp
Gareth Williams
Martin Jones
Deiniol Jones
Robert Sidoli
Maama Molitika
Robin Sowden-Taylor
Andy Powell
Replacements
Ryan Powell
Lee Thomas
Matthew Nuthall
Ben Evans
Rhys Thomas
Craig Quinnell
Mark Lewis
Referee: Andy Ireland (SRU)
