Anscombe captains Cardiff Blues for Glasgow Warriors clash
Gareth Anscombe will captain Cardiff Blues for the first time on Friday, as he lines up at full-back for the Guinness PRO14 clash against Conference A leaders, Glasgow Warriors, at Scotstoun Stadium (KO 7.35pm)
The Welsh international is one of five changes from last week’s 36-30 victory over Connacht, and takes the number 15 jersey following injuries to the likes of Matthew Morgan, Rhun Williams and Dan Fish.
Blaine Scully, who returns from international duty with USA, and Owen Lane, who penned his first professional Cardiff Blues contract earlier this week, join Anscombe to complete the back three.
Tomos Williams and Jarrod Evans continue their partnership at half-back, while Garyn Smith and Willis Halaholo retain their places in midfield.
Three changes are made to the pack, with Josh Turnbull returning to the blindside. Macauley Cook makes a positional move to combine with George Earle in the second row, while Olly Robinson and Nick Williams keep their places in the back row.
Further changes sees Brad Thyer and Kirby Myhill coming into the front row, lining up alongside Taufa’ao Filise, who edges ever-closer to his 250th appearance for the region.
Glasgow Warriors have had the perfect start to their Guinness PRO14 campaign, with Dave Rennie’s side picking up nine wins from their opening nine fixtures.
Despite the number of players missing through injury, Danny Wilson insists his side can travel to the Conference A leaders with confidence following their recent run of good form, which includes six wins from eight Guinness PRO14 and European fixtures
. “We’re still able to put out a side that I’m confident that can go out to perform against the in-form team in the Championship at the moment,” said Wilson.
“We took them as close as can be at our place and could’ve had a home win, which would’ve been quite a feat considering the form they’re now in.
“We know it’s going to be a challenge, we know they’re going to have some internationals back, but it comes off the back of some good wins in the PRO14 so we can go up there with a bit of confidence.
“We roll into this game with confidence and hopefully we can test Glasgow. We’re aware we go up there as underdogs and aware of the challenges ahead of us.”
Rey Lee-Lo also returns from international duties to take his place on the bench, and is joined by the region’s top try scorer, Tom James, and Dane Blacker.
Corey Domachowski and Damian Welch, who both started in the win over Connacht, are also named amongst the replacements.
Cardiff Blues: Gareth Anscombe (C); Owen Lane, Garyn Smith, Willis Halaholo, Blaine Scully; Jarrod Evans, Tomos Williams; Brad Thyer, Kirby Myhill, Taufa’ao Filise, George Earle, Macauley Cook, Josh Turnbull, Olly Robinson, Nick Williams
Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Corey Domachowski, Anton Peikrishvili, James Down, Damian Welch, Dane Blacker, Rey Lee-Lo, Tom James
Related Posts
« Scrum half Jantjies signed on loan Southern Kings team announced to face Edinburgh Rugby »
