Jenkins back as Blues aim to repay fans
WALES’ most-capped player Gethin Jenkins makes a welcome return from injury to skipper Cardiff Blues in their Arms Park Challenge Cup encounter with Sale Sharks on Sunday (3.15pm).
The veteran prop has been troubled by a knee problem all season, but has been passed fit to lead a Blues side determined to avenge last weekend’s woeful 24-0 defeat at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Jenkins is one of six changes to the starting line-up as the capital region look to maintain their position at the ARMS PARK 3.15pm, SUN CARDIFF BLUES v SALE top of their European pool.
Willis Halaholo replaces Rey LeeLo in midfield, while Tomos Williams gets the nod over Lloyd Williams at scrum-half.
Up front, Josh Navidi makes his first appearance since his autumn efforts with Wales. Macauley Cook and Damian Welch are also recalled.
“Sunday will be about repaying our supporters with a home performance they can be proud of,” said head coach Danny Wilson. “We’re still top of the group after two good wins, but as I’ve said before, we can’t overreact after big wins and we can’t overreact to big losses.
“We won our first two games in Europe, with two good wins, and going into this double-header we want to go strong and do as well as we can.”
Sharks show nine changes, four of them positional, from the side that won in Salford. CARDIFF BLUES: M. Morgan; O. Lane, G. Smith, W. Halaholo, A. Summerhill, G. Anscombe, T. Williams; G. Jenkins (capt), M. Rees, A. Peikrishvili, S. Davies, D. Welch, M. Cook, N. Williams, J. Navidi. Reps: K. Myhill, B. Thyer, K. Assiratti, J. Down, J. Turnbull, L. Williams, J. Evans, R. Lee-Lo. SALE SHARKS: M. Haley; D. Solomona, M. Jennings, R. Van Rensburg, J. Charnley; S. James, W. Cliff; J. Flynn, M. Jones, H. Aulika, B. Evans, G. Nott, C. Neild, J. Strauss (capt), TJ Ioane. Reps: R. Webber, R. Harrison, A. Tarus, M. Postlethwaite, B. Curry, M. Sturgess, L.J., P. Odogwu. Referee: Thomas Charabas (Fra).