This Saturday sees the first game of the season for Cardiff Blues as Worcester Warriors visit Cardiff Arms Park (Saturday August 19th, kick off 3.00pm).
It will be Worcesters second warm up match, following their opening test against Viadana at Sixways Stadium last weekend.
Before they arrive in Cardiff, many of Head Coach Anthony Eddy's new recruits will have had a debut against the Italians as the Warriors look to hit the ground running at the start of their third consecutive season in the top flight of English rugby.
Commenting on their signings, John Brain, Director of Rugby said,
Anthony and I are very pleased with the summer recruitment campaign. We feel we have a good balance in the squad as well as some very promising players coming through our Academy.
The west country club have seen a number of comings and goings at Sixways this summer. Additions to their squad include two players familiar to Cardiff Blues supporters, former Scarlets Forward Gavin Quinnell and former Cardiff Blues scrum half Ryan Powell.
Up front, Darren Morris and Ben Gotting have signed from Guinness Premiership rivals Leicester and Wasps respectively, whilst Lee Best (formerly Bath) and Marcel Garvey (formerly Gloucester) improve options in the three-quarters.
Players to look out for include Pat Sanderson (capt), Shane Drahm and Aisea Havili. Summer departures include Andy Gomarsall, Gavin Hickie, Nicolas Le Roux, Mike Maguire, Andre Van Niekerk and Ed ODonaghue.
Last season Worcester finished eighth in the English Premiership and reached the Semi Finals of the European Challenge Cup losing to eventual winners Gloucester.
The Blues last played Worcester in a friendly two seasons ago, losing 10-12. The Blues despite missing five players from the Wales' summer tour and a host of other key players because of injuries and a suspension performed credibly, especially in the second half, against a fired-up Worcester Warriors team. This chance to avenge that defeat, should also give Director of Coaching David Young the chance to weigh up his options ahead of the new season.
Last Meeting: Worcester 12- 10 Cardiff Blues
13th August 2004
Sixways Stadium, Worcester
Cardiff Blues scorers
Tries
Craig Morgan : 1 (58)
Conversions
Lee Thomas : 1 (58)
Penalties
Lee Thomas : 1 (53)
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