Challenge Cup Round 2: Cardiff Blues vs Harlequins, 19 November

by ChequeredJersey Wed 18 Nov 2015, 12:07 pm

Challenge Cup Round 2: Cardiff Blues vs Harlequins, 19 November Harleq10

Cardiff Blues vs Harlequins
19 November 2015
KO: 19:45
BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park

Live on Sky Sports

Referee Alexandre Ruiz (France)
Touch Judge 1 Laurent Cardona (France)
Touch Judge 2 Arnaud Blondel (France)
Fourth Official Morgan Whitehead (Wales)
TMO Jean-Marie Piraveau (France)

Very quick break, so will need to update this post later, but here is a hub for the match between the Blues and the Quins on 19th November at Cardiff Arms Park.

Teams:

Cardiff Blues:
15 Blaine Scully
14 Alex Cuthbert,
13 Rey Lee-Lo,
12 Gavin Evans,
11 Tom James,
10 Rhys Patchell,
09 Lloyd Williams;

01 Gethin Jenkins (c),
02 Kristian Dacey,
03 Taufa'ao Filise,
04 Jarrad Hoeata,
05 James Down,
06 Ellis Jenkins,
07 Sam Warburton,
08 Josh Turnbull

16 Matthew Rees
17 Sam Hobbs
18 Dillon Lewis
19 Lou Reed
20 Manoa Vosawai
21 Tavis Knoyl
22 Jarrod Evans
23 Dan Fish

Harlequins
15. Ollie Lindsay-Hague
14. Charlie Walker
13. Matt Hopper
12. Harry Sloan
11. Tim Visser
10. Ben Botica
09. Karl Dickson

01. Mark Lambert
02. Rob Buchanan
03. Kyle Sinckler
04. Charlie Matthews
05. Sam Twomey
06. James Chisholm
07. Jack Clifford©
08. Nick Easter

16. Joe Gray
17. Joe Marler
18. Will Collier
19. Kieran Treadwell
20. Dave Ward
21. Danny Care
22. Winston Stanley
23. Tim Swiel

More to come. Quins team deliberately weaker as Robshaw and Brown and Nev not risked on artificial pitch, with the first two needing some rest and having some niggles and the last one has dodgy knees that do not like artificial pitches

by **George Carlin** Wed 18 Nov 2015, 12:21 pm

Good work Chequered.

Official preview here:

PREVIEW: Harlequins want more success in Cardiff

Harlequins return to the city of their most recent European triumph when they face Cardiff Blues in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Quins head to the Welsh capital for the first time since Chris Robshaw lifted this trophy in 2011 following victory in the final over Stade Francais. And the England captain has handed the club a major boost this week by signing a new contract.

He stepped off the bench in the opening game of this year's tournament, last week, and scored the last of Quins' six tries in their 41-18 home win over Montpellier. Now he is preparing for another big back row tussle with rival Welsh World Cup captain, Sam Warburton.

Danny Care and Ollie Lindsay-Hague had already crossed earlier in the opening night triumph at the Twickneham Stoop, but the night belonged to the Quins back-row with Jack Clifford, Luke Wallace and Nick Easter all scoring against the French before Robshaw completed a full-house.

However Quins have not won a European tie at the BT Sports Arms Park in 18 years following defeats in 2009, 2008 and a draw in 1999. Their 2011 title triumph was at the city's football ground, Cardiff City Stadium, and just 12 months after Cardiff had won the cup.

And this week Robshaw could well be reunited with his Welsh counterpart Sam Warburton. The last time these players met was in the World Cup when Warburton skippered Wales to a dramatic 25-22 win at Twickenham.

Warburton was integral to the Blues performance in Italy last week when they registered their biggest away win in Europe. Their 50-9 win over Calvisano was also enough to overtake Quins at the top of Pool 3.

"We wanted to make a big start in Europe and it was pleasing to get a record score but we are fully aware we face very different opponents after a short turn-around. Quins are clearly the team of the pool judging by their performance against Montpellier," said new Blues head coach Danny Wilson.

"Now it's about building on that win in attack and defence for the rest of the tournament."

Match Facts
- Cardiff have won three of their four matches against English sides in the Challenge Cup to date, though their last meeting against opposition from England was a 34-23 loss to London Irish.
- Cardiff have won all three home matches in the Challenge Cup, outscoring their opposition 165-40 in those games.
- These teams have never clashed in the Challenge Cup, however they have met eight times in the Champions Cup with Cardiff winning five games to Harlequins' one (D2).
- Harlequins have won all four games against Welsh clubs in the Challenge Cup averaging 42 points per game in that run.
- Harlequins lost their last away fixture in the Challenge Cup but haven't lost consecutive away matches since 2003/2004.

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed 18 Nov 2015, 12:23 pm

Might actually go to this game to keep an eye on how Visser is getting on.

by ChequeredJersey Wed 18 Nov 2015, 12:24 pm

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Might actually go to this game to keep an eye on how Visser is getting on.

He's looked great in attack, let in one travesty of a try vs Sale though

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed 18 Nov 2015, 12:28 pm

ChequeredJersey wrote:
Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Might actually go to this game to keep an eye on how Visser is getting on.

He's looked great in attack, let in one travesty of a try vs Sale though

Better get used to that CJ I'm afraid!!

by maestegmafia Wed 18 Nov 2015, 12:40 pm

No Nick Evans ?

by ChequeredJersey Wed 18 Nov 2015, 12:53 pm

maestegmafia wrote:No Nick Evans ?

Nev has shaken off his knee injury from last season but reputedly his knees struggle on artificial pitches - Conor seems to have thought it better not to risk it and use the opportunity to give him a rare rest (he's not young anymore!) and Botica generally plays better when he starts than benches anyway. Will be a tough one, but I'm ok with resting Evans, would be satisfied with an away LBP

by yappysnap Wed 18 Nov 2015, 1:01 pm

Front row and backrow look potentially great.

Backline look like they could let in a few scores but score some too.

Subs bench is interesting with Ward at backrow and Stanley plus Swiel to come on somewhere.

by propdavid_london Wed 18 Nov 2015, 1:44 pm

Didnt you mention trying Ward in the backrow on another thread yappy?
Do you have COS's ear?

by XR Wed 18 Nov 2015, 1:56 pm

Probably our strongest possible team and whilst Quins are missing a few key players, this is a good test for Wilson and Cardiff, see if the players are taking in what he's telling them.

Also it's the home debut for Blaine Scully.

by ChequeredJersey Wed 18 Nov 2015, 2:01 pm

propdavid_london wrote:Didnt you mention trying Ward in the backrow on another thread yappy?
Do you have COS's ear?

That was me. And not knowingly, no, maybe great minds think alike? Wink

by mikey_dragon Wed 18 Nov 2015, 3:30 pm

Guys can I just ask, if anyone streams live rugby in here do you get charged by the website?

by mikey_dragon Wed 18 Nov 2015, 3:30 pm

Where's Craig Mitchell?

by Coleman Wed 18 Nov 2015, 4:48 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Where's Craig Mitchell?

Injured again I think. Lucky we've talked Filise out of retirement 4 times or we'd be starting Andrews.

by yappysnap Wed 18 Nov 2015, 8:37 pm

ChequeredJersey wrote:
propdavid_london wrote:Didnt you mention trying Ward in the backrow on another thread yappy?
Do you have COS's ear?

That was me. And not knowingly, no, maybe great minds think alike?

I've often thought poorfour may be friends with CoS, perhaps he read that comment...

by mikey_dragon Wed 18 Nov 2015, 8:54 pm

Coleman wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:Where's Craig Mitchell?

Injured again I think. Lucky we've talked Filise out of retirement 4 times or we'd be starting Andrews.

True. Four times? That's truly remarkable. I can still remember his 'last game' for the Blues Laugh

. Anyway Dillon Lewis looked promising at U20 level from what I remember, and even Hobbs looks decent this season.

by Poorfour Wed 18 Nov 2015, 10:59 pm

yappysnap wrote:
ChequeredJersey wrote:
propdavid_london wrote:Didnt you mention trying Ward in the backrow on another thread yappy?
Do you have COS's ear?

That was me. And not knowingly, no, maybe great minds think alike?

I've often thought poorfour may be friends with CoS, perhaps he read that comment...

Alas, no. But I listen carefully to what he says at press conferences, and STH or Quinssa events.

That said, Poorfour Jr is determined to be a professional rugby player, so in the long run...

by Coleman Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:09 am

mikey_dragon wrote:
Coleman wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:Where's Craig Mitchell?

Injured again I think. Lucky we've talked Filise out of retirement 4 times or we'd be starting Andrews.

True. Four times? That's truly remarkable. I can still remember his 'last game' for the Blues . Anyway Dillon Lewis looked promising at U20 level from what I remember, and even Hobbs looks decent this season.

It must be four. Maybe it's three. His first one was when we were at the CCS and he has said he's packing it in every season since then. He had signed for Merthyr this season. But i assume Wilson has talked him out if it.

I've not seen a lot of Lewis but i agree Hobbs is looking better this year at loose. Taken his time getting there mind.

by VinceWLB Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:34 am

This must be the worst Blues pack i have ever seen:

A loosehead who can't scrummage, a 39 years old tighthead whose strength was never into scrummaging, a lock who looks more like a back row player (Hoeata), 2 openside in what is already a lightweight pack and finally a blindside in spite of a proper 8 picard

by XR Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:35 am

mikey_dragon wrote:Guys can I just ask, if anyone streams live rugby in here do you get charged by the website?

no, any website that charges stay well away.

by propdavid_london Thu 19 Nov 2015, 12:06 pm

It looks like a pretty strong Cardiff side to me - at least there are a lot of names I recognise.
The Quins side has a bit of an A-League feel to it, although thats sometimes means we have the hungry youngsters looking to make an impact.

I do hope that Quins can get a result but they are gambling a bit with resting players.

by Poorfour Thu 19 Nov 2015, 3:12 pm

propdavid_london wrote:It looks like a pretty strong Cardiff side to me - at least there are a lot of names I recognise.
The Quins side has a bit of an A-League feel to it, although thats sometimes means we have the hungry youngsters looking to make an impact.

I do hope that Quins can get a result but they are gambling a bit with resting players.

There are times last season when we would have been delighted to be able to field that side. At least we have locks, props and centres all playing in their proper positions and a bench that isn't entirely academy!

by Chunky Norwich Thu 19 Nov 2015, 3:25 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Guys can I just ask, if anyone streams live rugby in here do you get charged by the website?

There are some that have been operating fine for years. Quality service.

Of course 606v2.com wouldn't endorse using these or anything.

by maestegmafia Thu 19 Nov 2015, 8:43 pm

Poor old Quinn's have not had much luck with injuries

by ChequeredJersey Thu 19 Nov 2015, 8:48 pm

Poorfour wrote:
propdavid_london wrote:It looks like a pretty strong Cardiff side to me - at least there are a lot of names I recognise.
The Quins side has a bit of an A-League feel to it, although thats sometimes means we have the hungry youngsters looking to make an impact.

I do hope that Quins can get a result but they are gambling a bit with resting players.

There are times last season when we would have been delighted to be able to field that side. At least we have locks, props and centres all playing in their proper positions and a bench that isn't entirely academy!

You jinxed our back row Sad

by wales606 Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:05 pm

F sake, that pass was dire

Blues were so dominant for 20 minutes but now are falling apart

:/

by **Notch** Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:07 pm

Got to feel incredibly sorry for the Blues watching this.

by wales606 Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:07 pm

Simply inside ball and the Blues are completely baffled.

Shocking implosion

Players not up to it.

by wales606 Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:09 pm

And now Ellis Jenkins is off injured.

Our best player so far this season (not difficult), similar to Navidi last year, who is also injured.

by Cardiff Dave Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:09 pm

wales606 wrote:Simply inside ball and the Blues are completely baffled.

Shocking implosion

Players not up to it.

DW has recognised that some aren't. Look forward to next season.

by wales606 Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:17 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:Simply inside ball and the Blues are completely baffled.

Shocking implosion

Players not up to it.

DW has recognised that some aren't. Look forward to next season.

Hope he is given a good budget and a free reign,

He needs to rebuild this squad.

....and we mess up the lineout Doh

by Cardiff Dave Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:19 pm

Martyn Williams just said the C word on BBC radio!!!

by wales606 Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:24 pm

Awful,

Was really exciting to see Cuthbert, Scully and James in the back 3, but they have hardly had the ball.

Forward have been dire and securing quick ball, and the inside backs handling has been awful.

A good demonstration of why Anscombe is preferred at 10 to Patchell tonight.

Dacey, Vosawai, Filise, Downs and Turnball have either been dire or anonymous.

by wales606 Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:25 pm

Danny Wilson is going to be furious with the effort in this second half,

Almost as bad as the Zebre game.

by ChequeredJersey Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:27 pm

And that's the game

by **Notch** Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:35 pm

Oh no, red card coming up. Really nasty looking incident.

by VinceWLB Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:36 pm

Shame, a try here would have been interesting

by wales606 Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:36 pm

and Matthew Rees is going to finish off any Blues come-back with a nice red card.

Idiotic. Sums up the day.

by wales606 Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:37 pm

At least he will face a ban and we won't have to see him in a Blues shirt for a while,

Although Kristian Dacey hasn't exactly been good today.

Need a new front row and second row next season.

by VinceWLB Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:37 pm

Now the bad news is Dacey has to come on again

by VinceWLB Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:43 pm

None of Harlequins tries came after build up pressure

by wales606 Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:44 pm

Great drop from Jarrod Evans

First time i've seen him play and he has been impressive.

And we throw everything away at the end and give Quins a TBP

by wales606 Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:46 pm

Time to watch this

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7996656.stm

on repeat until I feel a bit better.

We used to be able to score tries.

by Cardiff Dave Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:46 pm

wales606 wrote:and Matthew Rees is going to finish off any Blues come-back with a nice Scarlet red card.

Idiotic. Sums up the day.

Terk-tastic!

by TJ Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:54 pm

wales606 wrote:and Matthew Rees is going to finish off any Blues come-back with a nice red card.

Idiotic. Sums up the day.

What did he do? I turned telly over after the 3rd Quins try

by **Notch** Thu 19 Nov 2015, 9:55 pm

It was a stamp on the face of Nick Easter.

by Cardiff Dave Thu 19 Nov 2015, 10:01 pm

Notch wrote:It was a stamp on the face of Nick Easter.

To Merthyr for him then. One down 14 to go.

by ChequeredJersey Thu 19 Nov 2015, 10:06 pm

Tough break at the end there, Blues

by Cardiff Dave Thu 19 Nov 2015, 10:32 pm

Seen the replay. Looked like a black and amber boot to me. Can't be sure who's who or what's what in Wales these days.

by yappysnap Thu 19 Nov 2015, 10:56 pm

Good win for Quins. Tbp away is always a pleasure.

Easter and Ward both out standing, Ward for England no7?! Botica and Dickson both with games to forget.

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