Cuthbert brings up century in Paris match

WALES international Alex Cuthbert is poised to make his 100th Cardiff Blues appearance when the region take on Stade Francais in a European Champions Cup play-off semi-final at Stade Jean Bouin tonight (5pm).

Head coach Danny Wilson has made three changes to the starting side that beat the Newport Gwent Dragons on the last day of the Guinness PRO12 season and it sees Tom James make his first start in over two months.

He comes in for Rhun Williams, who drops to the bench, with Rhys Gill and Josh Navidi returning to full fitness and replacing Corey Domachowski and Sion Bennett, who also remain in the matchday squad.

The Welsh side are in a fine run of form, winning their last three matches but face a daunting trip to Paris to face a Stade side that beat Gloucester in the European Challenge Cup final last weekend.

The winner of Friday night’s clash will go through to the play-off final and face either Northampton or Connacht, with the winner claiming a spot in next year’s Champions Cup.

“It’s been a long season but we finished seventh to qualify for a play-off, it’s a one-off game against Stade in Paris,” said Wilson.

“It an opportunity to play against some of the big stars in European rugby, it’s a great occasion that all the boys are looking forward to.

“They were pretty dominant against Gloucester in most aspects of the game, they played some good rugby but that’s complimented by an outstanding scrum, which is probably one of the best in Europe.

“But our form recently is good, coming off three wins and a draw in our last four. We have some form and performances, which give us confidence going into this game. If we can get pace and tempo into the game then we can cause them problems.”

Fly-half Gareth Anscombe was in agreement, adding: “At times this year we have shown what we’re capable of, we’re a team with plenty of promise but we have to be more consistent and that’s our challenge next year.

“But we certainly feel when we have our best team out and we play the way we’re capable of we can challenge any side.”

Stade have made nine personnel changes and one positional change to the starting XV that won the Challenge Cup final last weekend.

The only survivor in the backline from that game is juggernaut centre Jonathan Danty, who shifts to outside centre to make room for Herman Meyer Bosman.

In the pack, tight-head Rabah Slimani and openside Jono Ross both drop to the bench, with Hugh Pyle missing out altogether.

Star Australian international Genia is also absent. Will