Cardiff Blues director of rugby Phil Davies is expecting his side’s clash with Glasgow Warriors in the RaboDirect PRO12 to be another tight encounter. The Blues have won both their recent meetings with the Warriors, home and away in the European Cup in December; however in the PRO12 it is a different story with Glasgow taking the last five encounters since their 15-26 defeat at Firhill in February 2011. The last match between the two sides in December saw the Blues edge out Glasgow 9-7, having also beaten them 29-20 the week before – the biggest winning margin between the two sides this season. But after losing their first RaboDirect PRO12 game of the season to the Warriors 22-15 in early September, Davies is taking nothing for granted. “We’ve had three tightly-fought games with Glasgow this season and I’m sure this clash in the RaboDirect PRO12 will be no different,” said Davies. “It’s a massive game for us. Our next three fixtures with Glasgow and Leinster at the Arms Park and Zebre in Italy are vital. “All the players are working exceptionally hard and we’ve some quality internationals back in the line-up that we hope will give us that extra momentum.” Sam Warburton and Gethin Jenkins return from Wales duty, centre Isaia Tuifua will make his full league debut alongside the fit-again Dafydd Hewitt in midfield, while there is also a recall for Richard Smith on the wing and Simon Humberstone at fly-half. Tighthead prop Scott Andrews makes his first start in the front row since late October while Rory Watts-Jones is named among the replacements. Cardiff’s only victory in their last six RaboDirect PRO12 fixtures was 21-13 at home to the Dragons on New Year’s Day and the Blues have won their last three fixtures against Scottish opponents in all tournaments. The Warriors have won their last three matches in the PRO12 since their 8-23 home defeat by the Dragons on 22 November while they have won all six away games they have played in the tournament this season. Ed Kalman makes his 100th appearance for Glasgow Warriors with Gregor Townsend naming the same side which beat Connacht last Sunday. Townsend said: “We travel to Cardiff with plenty of motivation given it was our two defeats to the Blues that effectively ended our Heineken Cup ambitions this season. “We were really disappointed with our back-to-back defeats to the Blues and we’re determined to make amends this weekend. “The Blues are a quality side and they will be looking to get back to winning ways after their defeat to Munster. “Tomorrow night is the first of three consecutive games on the road for us and we know this is a crucial period of the season, ahead of a number of home games. “I’d like to congratulate Ed (Kalman) on making his 100th appearance for the club tomorrow night. He has been ever consistent for us and is someone we know we can always rely on.” At Arms Park, 6.30pm. Live on S4C/BBC ALBA Referee: George Clancy (IRFU, 58th competition game) Assistant Referees: Sean Brickell, Martyn Lewis (both WRU) Citing Commissioner: Richard Gwynn (WRU) TMO: Gareth Simmonds (WRU)
