Roberts to give Saints the midfield Blues
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:20
Cardiff Blues David Young has selected the side that sees Wales international Jamie Roberts make his first start at centre for the regional side, when they face Northampton Saints in a pre-season friendly at Arms Park on Friday.
Roberts will partner Jamie Robinson in the centre for the first half and the team will be changed for the second half to give everyone a chance for a run out before the Magners League kicks off next weekend - when the Blues take on champions Leinster.
Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder has named a 24-man squad for the trip to Cardiff.
The squad is a blend of first teamers and Senior Academy players - including Ben Foden, Dylan Hartley, Tom Smith and Barry Stewart.
One player in line for his first action in the black, green and gold is Chris Mayor.
Teams:
Cardiff Blues:
First Half Team: 15 Roger Davies, 14 Lee Halfpenny, 13 Jamie Robinson, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Aled Brew, 10 Nick Robinson, 9 Jason Spice, 8 Mark Lewis, 7 Robin Sowden-Taylor, 6 Ben White, 5 Paul Tito (captain), 4 James Down, 3 Taufa'ap Filise, 2 Gareth Williams, 1 Rhys Gill.
Second Half Team: 15 Ben Blair, 14 Richard Mustoe, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Dafydd Hewitt, 11 Chris Czekaj, 10 Ceri Sweeney, 9 Dareen Allinson, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Martyn Williams/Rhys Shellard, 6 Mamma Molitika, 5 Scott Morgan, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Gary Powell, 2 Rhys Thomas, 1 Gethin Jenkins/Scott Roberts.
Northampton Saints squad:
Backs: Joe Ansbro, John Brake, Paul Diggin, Barry Everitt, Ben Foden, Nick Greenhalgh, Will Harries, Chris Mayor, Nils Mordt, Ollie Storey.
Forwards: Ben Broster, James Cannon, Stuart Friswell, Owen Giles, Dylan Hartley, Mark Hopley, Courtney Lawes, Ben Lewitt, Matt Lord, Rob Milligan, Liam Neale, Alex Rae, Tom Smith, Barry Stewart.
Date: Friday, August 29
Venue: Arms Park, Cardiff
Kick-off: 19.30 (18.30 GMT)
