November means one thing for rugby fans ÔÇô the Autumn Internationals. The Welsh squad has been assembled, ready to take on some of the best of the Southern Hemisphere, and Cardiff Blues are making a sizeable contribution. Nine players have been included, ranging from the familiar Leigh Halfpenny and Sam Warburton to the fresh-faced Cory Allen.
This season, the Blues have relied heavily on youthful talent, with the likes of Allen, Rhys Patchell and Owen Williams, the eldest of which is Williams at 22, arguably the standout performers. All three have been selected and will find themselves on a steep learning curve, which will undoubtedly benefit the Blues. While the trio are unlikely to play a lot of rugby, just being around the more senior players, and being under the wing of the high-quality and successful Welsh coaching set-up, should see them come back to Blues better for the experience.
Warburton, Halfpenny and Gethin Jenkins are the only Blues players who are likely to start in the Welsh team. Warburton has regained the captaincy, while Halfpenny will be looking to continue the form that made him the Six Nations Player of the Tournament and Lions Player of the Series.
The two significant omissions from the squad are Alex Cuthbert and Matthew Rees. Cuthbert has been ruled out through injury and Rees has been forced to take time away from rugby as he recovers from testicular cancer. Both players will be missed by Wales and the Blues, who are short of recognised hookers and wingers.
Losing so many key players is always difficult. The Blues will struggle more than most, as they often do this time of year, because they simply donÔÇÖt have the strength in depth. When league positions are determined by single points, this weakened period could prove decisive. Back-up players will have to greatly exceed expectations if the Blues want to keep their slim RaboDirect PRO12 play-off hopes alive.
Paul Davies
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