Cardiff RFC host Bridgend Ravens on Saturday, part of a huge doubleheader at the Arms Park.
The Blue and Blacks will be looking to carry on the momentum and remain top of the Super Rygbi Cymru table before the break as they take on Scott Baldwin’s Bridgend. Supporters are advised that the game will kick-off at a later time of 16:15.
This encounter is part of a huge day of rugby at Arms Park. Following our match, Cardiff Rugby will take on Ulster Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship (19:35 KO). The gates will open at 15:15 as Cardiff RFC kick off an action-packed day.
In the Blue and Blacks’ last outing, they overturned a 14-0 deficit against Aberavon last weekend. tries from Ethan Phillips, Harri Wilde, Alun Rees, Jason Harries, and Dewi Cross meant Dan Fish’s men sit on 28 points and are in pole position in Super Rygbi Cymru.
Team News:
1. Rhys Barratt
2. Alun Rees
3. Christian Brooke
4. Ethan Phillips
5. Sean Moore (C)
6. Craig Hudd
7. Lucas de la Rua
8. Mackenzie Martin
9. Ethan Lloyd
10. Harri Wilde
11. Dewi Cross
12. Steffan Emanuel
13. Elijah Evans
14. Tom Bowen
15. Matty Young
Replacement:
16. Gavin Parry
17. Jared Williams
18. Thomas Harper
19. Aled Ward
20. Benji Williams
21. Sion Davies
22. Jason Harries
23. Joe Goodchild
Pre-match thoughts:
Head coach Dan Fish said, “We are looking forward to Saturday. It’s going to be a good occasion with us playing before the senior game.
“It’s the last game of the block and we are looking to finish off in style. We have had a good start to the season, but know we must come well prepared for Bridgend on Saturday, who have also had a good start to the season.
“It’s been a tough selection this week with all players putting their hands up, and that’s a credit to them and the strength-in-depth we are creating.
“Lastly, I like to thank the boys for the hard work they have put in so far and to enjoy the week’s rest before we come back to prepare for another big block,” Fish concluded.
Remember the last meeting at the Arms Park?
The last time these two met in the capital was at the end of January this year when it finished 38-23 in favour of the Blue and Blacks. That day saw Joe Goodchild score a brace and Alun Rees, Nathan Hudd, and Harrison James all cross as Cardiff made it three wins on the bounce to begin 2024 with a bang.
Opposition form
After starting the new season with back-to-back defeats to Gwent sides Newport and Pontypool, the Ravens come into Saturday’s contest on 18 points. Scott Baldwin’s men have tasted victory over Aberavon and made it back-to-back wins over Swansea.
However, last time out at the Brewery Field, the Ravens lost 34-18 to Ebbw Vale, who are just two points behind the Blue and Blacks.
Head-to-Head
Historically, previous meetings between the two sides have been in Cardiff’s favour, with Cardiff having won their last four home matches over the Ravens. The previous time Bridgend won in the capital was in January 2017, when it finished 24-15.
That day was the Blue and Blacks’ last home challenge match of the 2016-17 season and tries from Nicky Boyce, Jamie Murphy, and Joe Gatt guided the Ravens to victory.
Those unable to attend on Saturday can stay updated with live updates on our social media channels (X, Facebook, and Instagram).