Williams returns in Nick of time to face Glasgow
INJURY-HIT Cardiff Blues have been boosted by the return of Nick Williams for tonight’s Guinness PRO14 clash with Glasgow Warriors at the Arms Park.
Danny Wilson’s team have lost both Ellis Jenkins and Lions captain Sam Warburton for the first half of the season, while a third openside flanker, young Jim Botham, also faces a lengthy lay-off.
So, having No.8 Williams fit again is a timely back row lift, with the Kiwi powerhouse having recovered from concussion.
The 33-year-old former Ulster star is a key man for the Blues, with his ability to carry the ball up and cross the gain line, hopefully giving them the go-forward they have lacked in their opening two league games.
There’s also a return for another New Zealander, with Super Rugby winner Willis Halaholo recalled after being left out for last weekend’s trip to Leinster.
Those are the only two changes to the starting line-up from the 37-9 defeat at the RDS, but there are also a couple of notable returnees on the bench.
South African second row George Earle has shaken off a heel problem, while prop Brad Thyer makes his first appearance since being hospitalised with delayed concussive symptoms after sustaining a head injury against Glasgow in January.
Eight months on, the 24-year-old loosehead is set to make his comeback against the same opposition. Cardiff Blues: R Williams; A Cuthbert, R Lee-Lo, W Halaholo, T James; S Shingler, L Williams; R Gill; M Rees (capt), K Assiratti, S Davies, D Welch, J Turnbull, J Navidi, N Williams. Reps: K Myhill, B Thyer, D Lewis, G Earle, M Cook, T Williams, J Evans, M Morgan. Glasgow: R Jackson; T Seymour, N Grigg, A Dunbar, L Jones; F Russell, H Pyrgos (capt); J Bhatti, G Turner, Z Fagerson, T Swinson, S Cummings, M Fagerson, A Ashe, C Gibbins. Reps: P MacArthur, A Allan, D Rae, B Alainu’uese, C Fusaro, G Horne, P Horne, N Matawalu. Referee: Frank Murphy (Ire).