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Roberts returns for Treviso clash

Roberts returns for Treviso clash

Welsh centre Jamie Roberts makes his first start in six months when the Blues take on Treviso tomorrow night.

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Roberts, who has now fully recovered from a knee injury, starts alongside Gavin Evans after enjoying a run out as a replacement in the Blues’ 5-16 over the Dragons last weekend.

The inclusion of Roberts is just one of a number of changes made by Blues director of rugby Phil Davies from the win at Rodney Parade.

Dan Fish comes in at fullback with Tom James starting on the wing.

There are four changes in the forwards with Robin Copeland starting at No. 8 after impressing for Cardiff RFC while Lou Reed starts at lock. Benoit Bourrust and Andi Kyriacou also come into the front row while Rhys Patchell again starts at fly-half after an impressive showing against the Dragons.

The Blues boast a perfect record against Italian opposition and have come out on top in all four of their previous encounters with Treviso. However, they have not managed back-to-back victories in the RaboDirect PRO12 since last February.

Despite slipping to two successive defeats to Irish powerhouses Munster and Leinster, Treviso have had a good start to their PRO12 campaign. Only a late drop goal from Jonny Sexton secured a Leinster win last weekend after Treviso led with just seconds remaining.

The Italians have also won their last two games against Welsh opposition including a home win over the Ospreys on the opening weekend of this season.  

“It’s great to be back at the Arms Park for our second home RaboDirect PRO12 fixture,” said Davies.

“Last weekend we had a good, gusty win against the Dragons at Rodney Parade. It is never an easy place to go to and their home crowd really got behind the men of Gwent and made some noise.

“It was a bit of a scrappy game as Welsh derbies can be but I thought many of our players acquitted themselves well.

“We know Treviso will be a difficult team to beat. They are very physical, especially up front, and have a good set piece as they showed against the Ospreys.”

The Blues, along with every other RaboDirect side will be holding a minute’s silence in memory of Ulster centre Nevin Spence who died tragically last week.

“The death of Nevin Spence, along with his brother and father, really put things in perspective,” added Davies. 

“I was fortunate to have met Nevin on a few occasions and he was a lovely guy along with being an extremely talented rugby player.

“I have no doubt he would have gone on to play international rugby for Ireland and he will be a great loss.”
 

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