Blog Banner

Cardiff Blues under-18 name experimental side for crucial Scarlets clash

Pathway | 17th February 2020


Cardiff Blues under-18 have named an experimental side to take on Scarlets in the WRU Regional Age Grade Championship decider at Sardis Road on Tuesday.

Only two points separate the sides as they head into the final round of action, with the Blues looking to seal a double over their west Wales rivals.

Following a clash against the Scotland national team in Edinburgh on Sunday, joint head coaches Aled James and Craig Everett have named a much changed squad to finish the domestic campaign.

Hooker Corben Evans captains a side which contains Cardiff Blues academy duo Rhys Anstey and Theo Cabango.

Cardiff and Vale College’s Ioan Cooper is drafted in at full back to make his first start of the season, with Iwan Pyrs Jones completing the back three.

Josh Atkinson pairs up with Cole Morgan in midfield, with Tyler Morris returning to the number 10 jersey alongside half back partner Zak Fifield.

Travis Green and Rhys Barrett join skipper Evans in the fron row, with Alfie Llewellyn combining with Anstey in the boiler room.

The pack is complete by the back row trio of Dylan Williams, Gwilym Evans and James Roberts.

Joint head coach, Everett, said: “The absolute priority for us and this age group is development, and we’ve had a really positive couple of weeks on that front.

“We were disappointed with the result against Ospreys last week, but had a really beneficial trip up to Edinburgh over the weekend.

“The opportunity to play against a national side was invaluable for these boys, and their performance both on the pitch and off the pitch, in terms of their professionalism, preparations and recovery, was of the highest standard.

“They’ll learn from that experience, but the boys involved on Tuesday will have a learning curve of their own. It’s a big game with big stakes and a trophy to be won at the end.

“But some of these boys have had to be patient to wait for an opportunity, so the main thing we’re looking for in this game is that the boys work hard, stick to the system and perform. It’s the type of game where you can really put your hand up.”

Cardiff Blues under-18: Ioan Cooper; Iwan Pyrs Jones, Josh Atkinson, Cole Morgan, Theo Cabango; Tyler Morris, Zak Fifield; Travis Green, Corben Evans (capt.), Rhys Barrett, Rhys Anstey, Alfie Llewellyn, Dylan Williams, Gwilym Evans, James Roberts

Replacements: Jake Frost, Harri Williams, Nathan Evans, Jack Dauncey, Evan Lloyd, Will O’Connor, Iwan Johnes, Ed Thomas