Jump to main content
Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training

Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training

Cardiff Blues have been watching videos with a happy ending in a bid to boost their confidence for the Heineken Cup.

Share this page:

The Welsh region have stuttered so far this season and face a must-win home clash with three-time champions Toulouse tomorrow (Sat).

And skipper Paul Tito admits the squad, who reached last year’s semi-final, have been reliving the 9-6 quarter-final triumph over the French giants on tape.

Tito, 31, said: “Confidence is something we have been lacking in recent weeks. So we have watched a few clips that we did well in from last season’s game against Toulouse.

“Although we didn’t score any tries that day, we held on for a fantastic victory – and watching the video has certainly lifted the spirit of the boys.

“The fact we beat them last year can help but it will not win us the game.”

Blues coach Dai Young opted to hand new All Black signing Casey Laulala his European debut despite just 80 minutes action.

Laulala was given the nod over Tom Shanklin to partner British Lions star Jamie Roberts at centre, who returns from Barbarians duty.

But Laulala pulled up in training and will miss the match, meaning Shanklin will take his place in the starting XV.

The Blues include seven Lions with Roberts, Shankin, Leigh Halfpenny, Gareth Cooper, Gethin Jenkins, Andy Powell and Martyn Williams all set to start.

Cardiff Blues V Toulouse
Cardiff Blues: B Blair, L Halfpenny, T Shanklin, J Roberts, T James, S Norton-Knight, G Cooper, G Jenkins, G Williams, F Filise, D Jones, P Tito [capt], A Powell, M Williams, X RushReplacements: T Thomas, S Hobbs, G Powell, S Morgan, S Warburton, R Rees, C Sweeney, D Hewitt
Toulouse: M Medard, V Clerc, F Fritz, Y Jauzion, C Heymans, F Michalak, N Bezy, Y Montes, W Servat, C Johnston, R Millo-Chluski, P Albacete, T Dusautoir [capt], L Picamoles , S Sowerby
Replacements: V Lacombe, D Human, J Poux, G Lamboley, Y Maestri, J Bouilhou, C Poitrenaud, Y Donguy
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)

Partners and Suppliers

Principal Partners
Principality
Admiral
Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training
Vodafone
Go.Compare
Official Broadcast Partners
S4C
BBC Cymru/Wales
Official Partners
Guinness
Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training
Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training
Heineken
Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training
Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training
Official Suppliers
Gilbert
Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training
Rhino Rugby
Sportseen
Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training
Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training
Princes Gate
Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training
Amber
Opro
Total Energies
Seat Unique
Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training
Castell Howell
Glamorgan Brewing
Ted Hopkins
Hawes & Curtis
Shankin in as Lualala pulls up in training