Cardiff RFC return to Super Rygbi Cymru action late Saturday afternoon as they welcome top-of-the-league Ebbw Vale RFC to the Cardiff Arms Park (KO: 16:25).
The Blue and Blacks enter the contest off the back of a friendly defeat against Wales U20s last Friday. That night, Gruff John-Morris and Ioan Leyshon both crossed with Steff Crimp slotting four points from the tee, which saw Cardiff fall to a narrow 21-14 defeat.
Prior to that meeting in the SRC, the Blue and Blacks recorded back-to-back derby victories over Bridgend Ravens, whilst Ebbw Vale, in their most recent outing, put aside Llandovery RFC impressively, 41-14 at Church Bank.
The meeting against the Steelmen is part of yet another double-header at the Arms Park. Quickly following the Blue and Blacks’ contest, Cardiff Rugby face Benetton Rugby in a crucial BKT United Rugby Championship encounter (KO: 19:45).
Cardiff RFC Team News vs Ebbw Vale:
1. Ioan Emanuel
2. Alun Rees
3. Tom Harper
4. Craig Hudd (C)
5. Sean Moore
6. Evan Rees
7. Nathan Hudd
8. Lucas de la Rua
9. Ethan Lloyd
10. Harri Wilde
11. Dewi Cross
12. Tom Williams
13. Elijah Evans
14. Joseff Jones
15. Joe Goodchild
Replacements:
16. Gavin Parry
17. Joe Cowell
18. Will Davies-King
19. Aled Ward
20. Ben Fry
21. Gwilym Bradley
22. Joe Williams
23. Steff Crimp
Pre-Match Thoughts:
Speaking ahead of the match, head coach Dan Fish said: “Looking forward to another good occasion on Saturday at the Arms Park, boys love playing the double header games and no tougher challenge than the league leaders.
“Ebbw are a team in great form and have been playing some great rugby. We know what happened when we played them at the start of the season, and we want to put that right come Saturday.
“Boys have trained really well this week and are in a good place, ready for Saturday.
“We know we can’t afford a slow start or switch off in the match as we will get punished, but we know if we can put in a good performance, we can come away with a good result.
“Not to be missed Saturday, two good games at the Arms Park, what more could a rugby fan want. Look forward to seeing you all.”
Remember the last meeting at the Arms Park?
The last time Cardiff welcomed Ebbw Vale to the Welsh capital was back in September last year, following the Blue and Blacks’ inaugural SRC triumph in Colwyn Bay against Rygbi Gogledd Cymru 1404.
Dan Fish’s side made it back-to-back bonus points wins, as accompanying Goodchild were scores from Efan Daniel and Dewi Cross, who bagged a brace.
Joe Goodchild scored on his 50th appearance as the Blue and Blacks recorded a 29-12 win.
For those unable to make it to the Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday afternoon, you can stay up-to-date with live updates across all Cardiff RFC social media channels (X, Facebook, and Instagram).