Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors, 16 September

by **George Carlin** Mon 12 Sep 2016, 2:28 pm

First topic message reminder :

Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors, 16 September - Page 2 Cardif10

Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors, 16 September - Page 2 Glasgo11

Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors
Friday 16 September 2016
KO: 19:00
BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park

Not on television

Referee: George Clancy (IRFU, 82nd competition game) Erm

Assistant Referees: Gary Conway (IRFU), Simon Rees (WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Chris Morgan (WRU)

Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record:
Played 26, Cardiff Blues won 10, Glasgow Warriors won 16.

Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors, 16 September - Page 2 Roald-10

Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors, 16 September - Page 2 Roald-10

15 - Matthew Morgan
14 - Alex Cuthbert
13 - Cory Allen
12 - Rey Lee-Lo
11 - Tom James
10 - Gareth Anscombe
9 - Lloyd Williams

1 - Gethin Jenkins,
2 - Kristian Dacey
3 - Taufa'ao Filise
4 - George Earle
5 - Josh Turnbull
6 - Sam Warburton
7 - Ellis Jenkins
8 - Josh Navidi

16 - Matthew Rees
17 - Rhys Gill
18 - Scott Andrews
19 - Macauley Cook
20 - Nick Williams
21 - Tomos Williams
22 - Steven Shingler
23- Blaine Scully

Glasgow Warriors
Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors, 16 September - Page 2 Jm_bar10

Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors, 16 September - Page 2 Jm_bar10

15. Stuart Hogg
14. Tommy Seymour
13. Nick Grigg
12. Peter Horne
11. Lee Jones
10. Rory Clegg
09. Ali Price

01. Gordon Reid
02. Fraser Brown
03. Zander Fagerson
04. Tim Swinson
05. Jonny Gray (Captain)
06. Rob Harley
07. Ryan Wilson
08. Josh Strauss

16. Pat MacArthur
17. Alex Allan
18. Sila Puafisi
19. Greg Peterson
20. Lewis Wynne
21. Grayson Hart
22. Mark Bennett
23. Rory Hughes

by **George Carlin** Thu 15 Sep 2016, 12:51 pm

wales606 wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
wales606 wrote:Glasgow are clearly the best team in the league and I am far more concerned by them coming to CAP than any other team. If we can pull off a win, then we really will be pushing for the playoff spot at the end of the season.

Well that's not necessarily true, is it?

Would you rather I phrased it:

If we beat Glasgow at home, then we are likely to beat most other teams in the in league at home (bar changes in form, flukes and one-off under/over performances which always happen) and since we just beat Munster away, we are likely to pick up some more away wins, at least against the Italian teams which we f'ed up last season and considering we appear to be continuing an improvement in performance since Christmas last year from which we have won the vast majority of our matches, then, assuming no dramatic changes in form (which seem unlikely with the current coaching set-up) or severe injury concerns, then the likelyhood of us being in contention for a top 4 play-off place during the last few weeks of the season compared to competing for a top 6 slot as we were last season is dramatically improved.

Personally I prefer the shorter version.

by Hazel Sapling Thu 15 Sep 2016, 12:52 pm

It is meant to rain on Friday so Toonie has gone for an up the jumper tactic and try to dominate the set piece. It will be an interesting battle.

This is the sort of game where Vernon, if he could stay healthy, would be perfect.

by **George Carlin** Thu 15 Sep 2016, 1:21 pm

Slightly nervous looking at those line ups - a talented but very inexperienced Glasgow side.

The bench is clearly designed for a rescue plan if it's all going jubblies up at half time. Presumably Horne will move to 10 with Bennett slotting in at 12 and Hughes coming on if the Selkirk Pixie is getting squished by Alex Cuthbert. Jones must weight about the same as Cuthbert's right boot.

Solid front 5 - with Jeff/Oscar/Greg coming on if Tiny Tim proves to be too tiny. Wilson 'doing a job' at 7 worked well enough last season although he's up against 3 x opensides this time, so we could get turned over quite a bit. Superb to see the Mighty Beard back at 8. Strauss, Brown, Swinson and Gray will be our carrying options.

Absolutely no idea how our halfbacks are going to play or what Grigg will offer. I have hardly seen him play, but Toonie seems to rate him, so let's see he goes because it's going to be a tough first test for him.

by **RDW** Thu 15 Sep 2016, 1:32 pm

Finn Russell is back playing for Ayr this weekend, and apparently will wear a headguard for the rest of the season

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend has confirmed Finn Russell will return to competitive action on Saturday playing for Ayr at Hawick.

The Scotland fly-half, 23, has been out since suffering a severe head injury in Warriors' Pro12 semi-final loss away to Connacht in May.

"Finn's now trained two weeks full contact," said Townsend.

"He's worked really hard and can't wait to get back playing so he's playing for Ayr, his allocated club team."

Townsend also revealed Russell will wear a scrum cap this season as a precaution, with his rehabilitation being monitored closely by the Warriors medical staff.

"That'll be great for him playing down at Mansfield Park and it'll be good to see him back playing and see how he gets on," added Townsend.

Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors: team news

"If he gets through that game then I see him being in the selection mix for the Ulster game [on 23 September], but that will depend on how he reacts on contact and his match fitness - not what his form is like.

"To have him going into round four of the season is a real boost."

Not that a headguard would have been any use for his injury given that it was a blow to his eye socket...

by Coleman Thu 15 Sep 2016, 2:18 pm

Hazel Sapling wrote:It is meant to rain on Friday so Toonie has gone for an up the jumper tactic and try to dominate the set piece. It will be an interesting battle.

This is the sort of game where Vernon, if he could stay healthy, would be perfect.

Weather forecast is dry as a bone for Cardiff. We're hoping it drags a few of the casuals along to bump up the crowd numbers.

by Hazel Sapling Thu 15 Sep 2016, 2:22 pm

How is the weather forecast for Cardiff better than everywhere else? Opposite to normal.

Cardiff deserves bigger crowds the way they have played since New Year and the failure to develop crowds when the stadium is in the centre near the rail station and the main night out for the entire surrounding area is almost criminal.

by EST Thu 15 Sep 2016, 2:31 pm

Well, I am glad that Nick Williams isn't playing. The two back rows are almost polar opposites, Glasgow playing only no.8/Blindsides and Cardiff playing three 7's.

The Cardiff pack could be slightly lightweight, but I think the quality behind the scrum and the very mobile backrow will see them home. Horne/Grigg must be the smallest centre pairing in pro rugby.

by **George Carlin** Thu 15 Sep 2016, 2:50 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Finn Russell is back playing for Ayr this weekend, and apparently will wear a headguard for the rest of the season

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend has confirmed Finn Russell will return to competitive action on Saturday playing for Ayr at Hawick.

The Scotland fly-half, 23, has been out since suffering a severe head injury in Warriors' Pro12 semi-final loss away to Connacht in May.

"Finn's now trained two weeks full contact," said Townsend.

"He's worked really hard and can't wait to get back playing so he's playing for Ayr, his allocated club team."

Townsend also revealed Russell will wear a scrum cap this season as a precaution, with his rehabilitation being monitored closely by the Warriors medical staff.

"That'll be great for him playing down at Mansfield Park and it'll be good to see him back playing and see how he gets on," added Townsend.

Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors: team news

"If he gets through that game then I see him being in the selection mix for the Ulster game [on 23 September], but that will depend on how he reacts on contact and his match fitness - not what his form is like.

"To have him going into round four of the season is a real boost."

Not that a headguard would have been any use for his injury given that it was a blow to his eye socket...

Rumours that Russell will be adopting a traditional Glaswegian headguard remain unconfirmed:
Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors, 16 September - Page 2 Glasgo10

Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors, 16 September - Page 2 Glasgo10

by mikey_dragon Thu 15 Sep 2016, 3:41 pm

606, what's happened to Hoeata?

by Coleman Thu 15 Sep 2016, 4:38 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:606, what's happened to Hoeata?

I read that he was injured in pre season and he is playing for Cardiff RFC as part of his rehab.

by wales606 Thu 15 Sep 2016, 4:41 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:606, what's happened to Hoeata?

Not really space for him the starting team I think.

Downs and Cook have been the lineout callers in the early season (and I assume Earles has as well)

Earles has been fantastic and is the power we need in the second row.

Then the other second row slot is between Down / Cook / Turnball / Hoeata

Turnball was our best player last season, even though he mostly played at 6, I can see the need to fit him in somewhere.

Cook has been a bit of a surprise this season. He was a lock at age-grade but then played mostly at 6, now he seems to have moved back into the boiler room. He has done pretty well so far, though don't know if it will have an impact against some big scrummagers.

Down was our primary lineout coordinator last year, and a bit of an unsung hero, but he seems to have dropped down the list - he may well come back when we start facing some forward orientated scrummaging teams.

Surprised Hoeata isn't on the bench at least, but I guess Wilson hasn't seen enough from him let to replace the in-form Cook.

by wales606 Thu 15 Sep 2016, 4:42 pm

Coleman wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:606, what's happened to Hoeata?
I read that he was injured in pre season and he is playing for Cardiff RFC as part of his rehab.

He has been struggling with an injury, but seemed to be back fit at the start of the season. Hasn't he played a few full games for the rags now?

by Coleman Thu 15 Sep 2016, 4:49 pm

Today will be his second or third. I think he was on the bench for the Newport game and he started vs Merthyr.

by Senlac Fri 16 Sep 2016, 11:04 am

Bookies have Cardiff as favourites for this game. Must be the first time in a while for this fixture which, given Glasgow's start to the season, really isn't a very big vote of confidence in Toonie's selection.

I have a bad feeling about this game from a Warriors point of view, but I really hope I'm proven wrong.

by **RDW** Fri 16 Sep 2016, 11:07 am

Toony has made no secret that he's really targeting Europe, so he's maybe wanting to ensure the squad are as fresh as possible for the first round of ECC games.

Glasgow have Ulster at home next week which he'll want his strongest team out for, then the Dragons and Zebre away following that before Leicester at home - a must win game.

by Senlac Fri 16 Sep 2016, 11:25 am

Surely he could have kept the first team for tonight and Ulster to ensure 4 important victories, and then given them a week or two off against Dragons/Zebre to ensure their fitness for Leicester?

by **RDW** Fri 16 Sep 2016, 11:28 am

Never question the wisdom of the tombola....

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 16 Sep 2016, 11:29 am

Senlac wrote:Surely he could have kept the first team for tonight and Ulster to ensure 4 important victories, and then given them a week or two off against Dragons/Zebre to ensure their fitness for Leicester?

He knows he can't afford to rest players against the mighty Dragons...

by **George Carlin** Fri 16 Sep 2016, 11:36 am

Reports that we should get Finn Russell back for the Ulster match, which I'm sure is good new for Notch and his brothers.

by **RiscaGame** Fri 16 Sep 2016, 11:37 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
Senlac wrote:Surely he could have kept the first team for tonight and Ulster to ensure 4 important victories, and then given them a week or two off against Dragons/Zebre to ensure their fitness for Leicester?

He knows he can't afford to rest players against the mighty Dragons...

Correct.

by Hazel Sapling Fri 16 Sep 2016, 11:52 am

Russell may be back for Ulster to give Horne a break or they run Horne one more time and give Russell the Dragons and Zebre to build himself up to bench for Leicester. Horne, Hogg, Seymour, Gray, Harley, Reid and Brown could all do with at least a week or two off before Leicester.

Would think Dragons will get a line up with Russell, Murchie, Sarto, Petersen, Wynne, Djustice and Malcolm starting. Perhaps a Dunbar (or Johnson)/Bennett centre pairing outside Pyrgos and Russell at half-back. Think that line-up would have enough firepower.

by funnyExiledScot Fri 16 Sep 2016, 12:40 pm

George Carlin wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Finn Russell is back playing for Ayr this weekend, and apparently will wear a headguard for the rest of the season

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend has confirmed Finn Russell will return to competitive action on Saturday playing for Ayr at Hawick.

The Scotland fly-half, 23, has been out since suffering a severe head injury in Warriors' Pro12 semi-final loss away to Connacht in May.

"Finn's now trained two weeks full contact," said Townsend.

"He's worked really hard and can't wait to get back playing so he's playing for Ayr, his allocated club team."

Townsend also revealed Russell will wear a scrum cap this season as a precaution, with his rehabilitation being monitored closely by the Warriors medical staff.

"That'll be great for him playing down at Mansfield Park and it'll be good to see him back playing and see how he gets on," added Townsend.

Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors: team news

"If he gets through that game then I see him being in the selection mix for the Ulster game [on 23 September], but that will depend on how he reacts on contact and his match fitness - not what his form is like.

"To have him going into round four of the season is a real boost."

Not that a headguard would have been any use for his injury given that it was a blow to his eye socket...
Rumours that Russell will be adopting a traditional Glaswegian headguard remain unconfirmed:

Was that you back in your Ayrshire youth?

by funnyExiledScot Fri 16 Sep 2016, 12:41 pm

I'm going to need to remind myself as to who Nick Grigg is!!

Always good value watching Lee Jones play.

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 16 Sep 2016, 12:45 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:I'm going to need to remind myself as to who Nick Grigg is!!

He'll be on fire, presumably.

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Fri 16 Sep 2016, 3:27 pm

Nick Grigg is a tiny fella (5"9), yet tackles anyone of any size like a beast. Hugely impressive for such a small guy... apart from that time when he knocked himself unconscious vs Harlequins.

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Fri 16 Sep 2016, 3:28 pm

BT Sport have chosen to show Sale v Gloucester instead. Sad

by **RDW** Fri 16 Sep 2016, 3:29 pm

A Simply Mesmeric Try wrote:BT Sport have chosen to show Sale v Gloucester instead.

BT Sport don't have any Pro 12 games as far as I know?

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 3:48 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
A Simply Mesmeric Try wrote:BT Sport have chosen to show Sale v Gloucester instead.

BT Sport don't have any Pro 12 games as far as I know?

Yeah they don't have the right to the Pro12

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Fri 16 Sep 2016, 3:52 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
A Simply Mesmeric Try wrote:BT Sport have chosen to show Sale v Gloucester instead.

BT Sport don't have any Pro 12 games as far as I know?

You are indeed correct.

I thought that I read that BT Sport was showing it, but it turns out the stadium is now called BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

by **George Carlin** Fri 16 Sep 2016, 5:30 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
George Carlin wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Finn Russell is back playing for Ayr this weekend, and apparently will wear a headguard for the rest of the season

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend has confirmed Finn Russell will return to competitive action on Saturday playing for Ayr at Hawick.

The Scotland fly-half, 23, has been out since suffering a severe head injury in Warriors' Pro12 semi-final loss away to Connacht in May.

"Finn's now trained two weeks full contact," said Townsend.

"He's worked really hard and can't wait to get back playing so he's playing for Ayr, his allocated club team."

Townsend also revealed Russell will wear a scrum cap this season as a precaution, with his rehabilitation being monitored closely by the Warriors medical staff.

"That'll be great for him playing down at Mansfield Park and it'll be good to see him back playing and see how he gets on," added Townsend.

Cardiff Blues v Glasgow Warriors: team news

"If he gets through that game then I see him being in the selection mix for the Ulster game [on 23 September], but that will depend on how he reacts on contact and his match fitness - not what his form is like.

"To have him going into round four of the season is a real boost."

Not that a headguard would have been any use for his injury given that it was a blow to his eye socket...
Rumours that Russell will be adopting a traditional Glaswegian headguard remain unconfirmed:

Was that you back in your Ayrshire youth?

You'd never get away with that hat on the golf course.

Or the more damaging implication that your parents may not have voted Tory.

We're talking South Ayrshire here, remember.

by international198 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 5:38 pm

I fear for the Cardiff Blues. I believe Glasgow are simply too strong for them.

by cakeordeath Fri 16 Sep 2016, 7:17 pm

By the sounds of things on Twitter Glasgow are coughing up penalties left right and centre

by **George Carlin** Fri 16 Sep 2016, 7:20 pm

cakeordeath wrote:By the sounds of things on Twitter Glasgow are coughing up penalties left right and centre

Yep - 6-0 to the sheepbotherers at the moment.

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 7:21 pm

Listening on radio Wales. Seems to have been a good start for the Blues, with Lee-Lo almost getting a try to go with the 2 penalties.

by cakeordeath Fri 16 Sep 2016, 7:27 pm

Certainly looks like Glasgow are getting a pasting

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 7:28 pm

Sounds like the Blues have finally made their possession count with Cuthbert smashing over from close range.

13 - 0

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 7:30 pm

And of course we immediately give Hogg a try in return Doh

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 7:35 pm

Almost gave Glasgow another one! Luckily they knocked on.

Sounds like momentum has swung to them, Blues need halftime

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 7:38 pm

Oh dear. Glasgow have upped the physicallity and Blues are making mistakes.

Try for Horne :/

13 - 14

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 7:39 pm

Cuthbert off injured.

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 7:47 pm

Blues finish the half with a try!

Lee-Lo (who is awesome), finishes off some good patient work following a tapped penalty.

20 - 14

Halftime

by cakeordeath Fri 16 Sep 2016, 8:04 pm

Looks like both Scottish teams are onto a beating tonight.

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 8:06 pm

Nick Williams is on early. Unsurprisingly

Ellis Jenkins off though Sad

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 8:08 pm

Crowd not happy with Clancy by the sound of it Erm

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 8:09 pm

Glasgow really doing a number on us at the maul by the sound of it :/

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 8:10 pm

And it leads to a try

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 8:18 pm

Sounds like the Blues are blowing some chances to improve their lead in this second half.

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 8:25 pm

Blues have had 4 forward passes called against them in the second half. Really killing the momentum at the moment.

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 8:33 pm

Blues halfbacks have smashed heads into each other. So we can assume they are on the same wavelength

by wales606 Fri 16 Sep 2016, 8:37 pm

Nick Williams is having a nightmare by the sounds of it.

Knocking on in key position, awful pass trying to get the ball away from a 5m defensive scrum and now gives away a cheap penalty when the Blues had finally cleared their line

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