Cardiff Arms Park will be opening its gates for the first time since December
CARDIFF Rugby will face high-flying Leinster on their home turf this Saturday.
The team were given a win last Friday after Toulouse conceded their Champions Cup tie due to Covid cases within their team.
Cardiff’s director of rugby, Dai Young, is hoping for a good result against Leinster, who are in top form at the moment.
“It will be interesting to see where we are again this weekend on the back of a week without playing,” he said.
“But one thing that does focus the mind is playing against Leinster. It will be a real big challenge for us and something we’ve spoken about as a squad.”
Cardiff Rugby’s line-up is looking strong, as seven changes have been made for Saturday’s game. James Botham returns from injury and a possible debut from Efan Daniel is likely. Wales prop duo Rhys Carré and Dillon Lewis have also made the bench, and will be key threats later on in the game.
However, tomorrow’s opponents are challenging for top spot of the United Rugby Championships, as Leinster are yet to lose a game.
Cardiff Rugby have not won since October 2021and have lost their last four games. Based on their current form, a fifth defeat could be on the cards.
Cardiff Rugby were on the receiving end of an agonisingly close 33-36 loss against Harlequins the last time they played.
Ahead of Saturday’s game, Cardiff player Owen Lane said: “We don’t want to just play an exciting brand of rugby – we want to win. We need a balance between exciting rugby and making the right decisions at the right times.
“If we combine the two, we can cross the finish line in bigger games like Quins.”
The last time they faced Leinster, in November 2020, Cardiff were well-beaten 40-5.
Cardiff Rugby will be hoping for a boost as fans return to the stadium for the first time this year.
Supporters had been previously unable to watch the games live, but due to Welsh Government’s easing of Covid-19 restrictions on Friday January 21, Cardiff fans will be able to support from the sidelines.
Cardiff Rugby fan Iain Ross is looking forward to returning to the stadium tomorrow night.
“It depends what squad Leinster bring, but they have two squads of talented individuals,” he said.
“We’re going to need luck and play to our maximum with what we’ve got to get anything.”
Young looks forward to having fans back at Cardiff Arms Park.
“It’s important to have the crowd back. That gives everyone the buzz and the excitement. When we have had crowds here this season they’ve been excellent and played a big part,” he said.
“Hopefully they’ll come out in their numbers and are nice and loud like they have been this season.”
- Cardiff fans will be able to watch the game on Saturday, January 29 at 7.35pm, at Cardiff Arms Park. Cardiff Rugby v Leinster will also be televised live on Premier Sports.
