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Davies relishing Sam & Justin clash

Davies relishing Sam & Justin clash

Cardiff Blues director of rugby Phil Davies reckons the two finest open-side flankers in the world will collide on Judgement Day.

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Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric will go head-to-head when the Blues take on the Ospreys at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

The duo packed down together as Wales swept England aside to successfully defend the RBS 6 Nations title and Davies is relishing their personal battle.

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“I’d argue they could be the two best sevens in the world,” said Davies.

“They are both players I know well and I have huge respect for them.

“I just think we are lucky in Wales to have two such outstanding back rowers, plus you’ve also got the likes of Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau. We have got some fantastic back row players in this country.

“Maybe Sam and Justin are slightly different and that’s perhaps why they’ve played well together.

“It’s like Sam and Josh Navidi with us. They are very similar at the breakdown, but sometimes a little bit different in what they can add in terms of carrying and lineout prowess.

“Perhaps Sam and Justin are different too, but they are both quality.

“It will be an intriguing battle for the rugby connoisseur. But it comes down to the front five and who can win the inches there. That’s the key thing.”

Warburton missed the Blues defeat to Benetton Treviso last week due to a knee injury but he has since passed fitness tests and is set to start at the Millennium Stadium alongside fellow Six Nations hero Leigh Halfpenny.

“Sam has had a knee strain, but he should be fine. Leigh picked up a bit of an ankle injury towards the end of the England game. That’s why he didn’t take the last couple of kicks in that match. But he should be fine. He’s has trained and come through a fitness test.”

Backs coach Gruff Rees said: “For us, there’s no margin for error. We have said that for a fair while and the boys have reacted to that degree of pressure as we want them to.

“We are proud to be defending chanpions and we want to push on to defend that title. But first and foremost we know it’s a big challenge  for us against a Blues side that is dangerous.

“I have got a huge amount of respect for them. Even though it’s perhaps a transitional year, there’s a lot of fire-power there. There’s a lot of good young players who have achieved some significant things this year.

“It’s a great event and we are just looking forward to it. For us, first and foremost, it’s about getting the result this weekend.”

Ospreys backs coach Gruff Rees is also eagerly awaiting the showdown but he reckons it is just one of several mouth-watering clashes across the pitch.

“It’s one of a number of intriguing battles,” added Rees.

“I guess it’s the obvious one people will focus on. Justin came back and did admirably well last weekend and I expect him to up the ante this week again.”

Judgement Day – Millennium Stadium, Saturday 30 March
Dragons v Scarlets 2.30pm
Blues v Ospreys 5.15pm
Tickets: Adults £25, U18s £10, Family ticket £50 (two adults, two children)
Tickets available from wru.co.uk/tickets; by calling Ticketmaster on 08442 777 888; from Ticketline, Westgate Street Cardiff tel 02920 230130; from the Blues and Dragons box offices; from the WRU store, 47 Westgate Street, Cardiff, and from selected Tesco stores around Wales.

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