Young Looks For Luck

Cardiff Blues coach Dai Young says last weekend's heart-breaking loss to Sale has given his side confidence going into Friday night's match against Leinster at the Arms Park.

"We just need a bit of luck," Young said. "I think we were the better team against Sale, and that's encouraging. We've got a little bit left in the tank, and if everyone lifts their personal game by 10 percent, that will make a big difference collectively."

The Blues played in front of more than 10,000 fans at Sale's Edgeley Park, and skipper Martyn Williams is hoping for a big turnout at the Arms Park.

"It's a massive game," the British Lion backrower said. "If we can get a big crowd in, it lifts the players 10 or 15 percent."

Young has two injury concerns going into the match, with winger Tom Shanklin (leg) and inspirational backrower Dan Baugh (knee) both facing fitness tests this morning (THU).

A loss to Leinster will consign Cardiff to their ninth consecutive Cup defeat - equalling the "record" held by Scottish side Borders and Italian minnows Padova,

Cardiff Blues: R Williams; T Shanklin/N Walne, J Robinson, M Allen, C Morgan; I Harris, R Powell; J Yapp, G Williams, D Crompton, C Quinnell, A Moore, D Baugh/J Brownrigg, M Williams (capt), N Thomas.
Replacements; B Evans, L Phillips, H Senekal, J Brownrigg/R Sowden-Taylor, A Moore, N Robinson, N Walne/D Van Vuuren.