In a group also containing Calvisano and Biarritz Olympique, Cardiff Blues made the trip to Gloucester looking to maintain their record as the only unbeaten side in the Heineken Cup.
Gloucester 12 Cardiff Blues 16
Sunday 18 Jan 2009, 3.00pm, Kingsholm
Wales’ Capital Region had already beaten the Cherry and Whites at Principality Stadium earlier in the group stages, and knew a win at Kingsholm would secure the a spot in the knockout stages.
It was a tight affair, as Leigh Halfpenny and Olly Barkley became embroiled in a kicking battle.
The visitors were reduced to 14 men as Tom James was shown a red card, after an altercation with Olivier Azam.
The best try scoring chance came as Jason Spice was denied by Alex Brown, with the TMO confirming the ball was held up.
Barkley’s reliable boot had the hosts 12-9 ahead heading into the final 10 minutes.
However, thanks to strong carries from Xavier Rush and Taufa’ao Filise, Bradley Davies bundled over with four minutes remaining.
The win secured Dai Young’s side a place in the knockout stages, where they would go on to host Toulouse at the national stadium…
Gloucester Rugby: Willie Walker; Iain Balshaw, Matthew Watkins, Olly Barkley, James Simpson-Daniel; Ryan Lamb, Gareth Cooper; Alasdair Dickinson, Olivier Azam, Carlos Nieto, Marco Bortolami, Alex Brown, Alasdair Strokosch, Apo Satala, Luke Narraway
Replacements: Andy Titterrell, Nick Wood, Will James, Adam Eustace, Dave Lewis, Anthony Allen, Mark Foster
Cardiff Blues: Leigh Halfpenny; Gareth Thomas, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Tom James; Nicky Robinson, Jason Spice; Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Gary Powell, Deiniol Jones, Scott Morgan, Ma’ama Molitika, Martyn Williams, Andy Powell
Replacements: Taufa’ao Filise, T Rhys Thomas, Bradley Davies, Xavier Rush, Darren Allinson, Ceri Sweeney, Jamie Robinson
Cardiff Blues kick-off their Heineken Champions Cup campaign against Lyon on Sunday, October 14, before returning to the Arms Park to take on Glasgow Warriors a week later.
Tickets are available now and can be purchased by clicking here or calling 029 20 302030.