Williams and Sidoli return to face Bourgoin

Speaking ahead of the match Martyn Williams said: “It’s nice to be back. I’ve had three weeks off and it has been frustrating watching the games so it will be good to be back playing again, especially at the Arms Park.

“I’ve been keeping up the fitness side over the last few weeks doing conditioning work with our coaches Trystan and Dan. I also feel fresh mentally which is sometimes as important as the physical side.

“We were all disappointed with last week’s result but on the whole the season has gone well so it would be good to get the win on Saturday and build a bit of momentum for our match against Glasgow. We want to finish this period off with two wins.”

Robert Sidoli also returns after shoulder reconstruction surgery. Speaking at the training centre this morning he said: “Obviously it’s been eight to nine weeks since the injury; it has been a difficult time but it’s something that needed to be repaired. The surgery with Richard Evans went well and I’m quite pleased with how things have gone. I’ve also had some excellent physio from Tim Atter.

“I had a fitness test this week, which went well, so I’m just looking forward to getting back on the park again as you do miss it when your not playing.

“I’ve had a good rest over the Christmas period but the hardest thing is watching the game when you’re not involved. I think the EDF semis are awesome for us; the league has gone quite well, especially over the Christmas period, it’s just the European Cup that has been disappointing.

“I think some of the performances we’ve seen by the boys have been awesome, a lot of passion and a lot of heart, especially Munster away, we just didn’t do enough to get the win so we’re all disappointed with that. Hopefully if we do well in the EDF and in the League it will stand us in good stead for the Heineken Cup next year.”

Match tickets are still available for this weekend’s clash against Bourgoin. Please call the ticket office on 029 2030 2030 or buy online at www.cardiffblues.com/tickets.

Cardiff Blues: Ben Blair, Tom James, Jamie Robinson, Nick Macloed, Chris Czekaj, Nick Robinson, Mike Phillips, Xavier Rush (capt), Martyn Williams, Scott Morgan, Robert Sidoli, Deiniol Jones, Gary Powell, Rhys Thomas, Taufa’ao Filise

Replacements: Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Ben White, Mark Lewis, Ed Fairhurst, Dai Flannigan, Marc Stcherbina


Bourgoin: Team selection unavailable at present.