BLUES NEWS
Anscombe the key at No.10 as region shuffle pack for clash with Sarries
CARDIFF Blues have made an eyecatching selection for their daunting Heineken Champions Cup trip to Saracens tomorrow (1pm), with Jarrod Evans named at centre.
Wales star Gareth Anscombe returns to claim the number 10 jersey as Evans is shifted to 12 and Matthew Morgan plays at 15. Youngster Harri Millard makes his first European for the region at outside centre.
It’s a team that shows four changes from the side that lost to Ulster in the PRO14, Dillon Lewis and Kirby Myhill both coming into the starting line-up in the front row.
The final change sees George Earle partner Seb Davies at lock, as Josh Turnbull moves to the blindside and Samu Manoa starts at number eight.
Tomorrow’s match at Allianz Park is the first of a double-header against the English giants, with the Blues currently third in Pool Three after victory in Lyon and defeat at home to Glasgow.
The likes of Tomos Williams, Rey Lee-Lo and Kristian Dacey are all absent from the squad, with the region understood to be managing a number of players with niggles. The Blues are likely to target next week’s return fixture at the Arms Park as the one they have to win.
Coach John Mulvihill said: “This weekend will be a massive challenge but at the same time it is also a huge opportunity for us to make a statement and improve upon a narrow PRO14 loss last weekend.
“We are right in the mix in Pool 3 and these back-to-back matches against Saracens will be decisive. We have to rise to the occasion and we have already demonstrated we can step up in Europe with a great win over in Lyon.
“Saracens are at the top of their game at the moment so we are well aware of what’s coming at us this Sunday.
“This week is all about staying in the contest, competing for every piece of possession and putting their structured game plan under pressure and a good lead into our derby games that are just around the corner.”
Lloyd Williams retains the captaincy in Ellis Jenkins’ absence, while Macauley Cook has recovered from an injury to be named amongst the replacements.
Williams is excited for the opportunity to face the former European champions
“It’s a great opportunity to really test ourselves and try to make the best of the situation,” he said.
“They’ve proven over the years how strong they are and we’re aware of the challenge they will pose.
“If we go out there and perform to the best version of ourselves, then we’ll be in with a shout.”
As for Saracens, Mako Vunipola returns from injury to start in the front row, while Jamie George will make his