Blues welcome talismanic Rush back to fitness

October 8, 2009 No Comments

Cardiff Blues Number 8 Xavier Rush has been passed fit to play in this Saturday’s Heineken Cup clash against Harlequins at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Rush, who dislocated his finger in the win over the Scarlets had a successful operation and now has been given the go ahead by medial specialists to play on Saturday.

Speaking of the announcement Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby David Young said,

A real boost – Dai Young

“Xavier underwent a successful operation on his finger and was given the all clear by the medical team.”

“It’s great news that he has recovered so quickly and is a real boost for us ahead of the big match against Quins.”

Tim Atter the Cardiff Blues Physiotherapist has worked hard with the players all week and the Blues are also boosted by the news that Ben Blair, Jamie Roberts, Sam Norton-Knight, Richie Rees and Taufa’au Filise have all recovered from minor injuries picked up last week.

Speaking of the selection Young added,

“Selection is a responsibility that I do not take lightly and it’s always difficult to make choices especially ahead of big games.”

“The front row of Gary Powell and T Rhys Thomas pushed very strongly for inclusion and are unlucky to miss out in the starting XV.”

“Deiniol Jones is always near being selected in a starting spot but we felt that Bradley Davies gives us extra carrying capacity for this match.”

“I feel very sorry for Robin Sowden Taylor who has played exceptionally well for us so far this season, but we picked Sam Warburton at Openside because of the back row balance at the line out.”

“In the backs Richie Rees had shaded it and there were tough choices to make in the back three.”

“We felt Tom James was our most potent attacking back last season and it was a difficult choice for the other wing berth with Richard Mustoe and Gareth Thomas playing really well and Leigh Halfpenny working really hard to recapture his form after some minor injuries.”

15 Ben Blair 14 Gareth Thomas 13 Tom Shanklin 12 Jamie Roberts 11 Tom James 10 Sam Norton-Knight 9 Richie Rees

8 Xavier Rush 7 Sam Warburton 6 Andy Powell 5 Paul Tito (c) 4 Bradley Davies 3 Taufa’au Filise 2 Gareth Williams 1 John Yapp

16 T Rhys Thomas 17 Darren Morris 18 Gary Powell 19 Deiniol Jones 20 Robin Sowden Taylor 21 Gareth Cooper 22 Ceri Sweeney 23 Leigh Halfpenny

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