The first of a series of festive regional derbies for both sides, Dragons and Cardiff Blues return from their European travels into the white-hot atmosphere of a Boxing Day clash. Dragons lost by an agonising two points in their Pool 1 Challenge Cup encounter with Newcastle Falcons, while Blues top Pool 2 and will be on a high after their win over Sale Sharks. What’s at stake? Bragging rights! But other than regional pride, both sides will be looking to close the gap on sides above them in their conferences. Cardiff could leapfrog Connacht with a bonus point victory over their Welsh rivals, while Dragons sit seven points behind Benetton Rugby in Conference B so will want to put pressure on the Italians. Team news (Dragons): Pat Howard returns to Dragons’ back three, while the remainder of their backs retain their places. Should Nicky Thomas come off the bench it will be for his first appearance in a Dragons shirt, while hooker Elliot Dee will be looking to replicate his man-of-the-match performance from last time out. Team news (Cardiff Blues): Blues make two changes for the Welsh derby, with Rey Lee-Lo replacing Willis Halaholo, while Olly Robinson comes back at open-side. His return means shift in the pack with Macauley Cook moving into the second row with Josh Navidi going to blindside. Talking points: Blues head coach Danny Wilson said: “Facing our local rivals on Boxing Day, at a sold out Rodney Parade will be a great occasion and a great challenge for us. “The Dragons are playing well at home and while we’ve had some good wins at the Arms Park the challenge now is to do it on the road.” Dragons fly-half Gavin Henson said: “It’s been a while since I’ve been involved in them [regional derbies], so it’s nice to be back home. “The Blues is a massive one for this region, there’s a bit of niggle there and I can gauge that from the boys already.” Key battle: Gavin Henson takes on Gareth Anscombe, with the victor of the fly-half battle likely to play a large part in deciding the outcome of the game. The Blues man has youth on his side, but will the big-game experience of Henson prove too much in the bubbling atmosphere of Rodney Parade? Key stat: Cardiff Blues have won their last five encounters with Dragons. Did you know? Dragons’ Ollie Griffiths made the most tackles in Round 10 of the Guinness PRO14 with 27, can he produce another sterling defensive display against Cardiff? Dragons: H Amos, A Hewitt, A Warren, J Dixon, P Howard, G Henson, D Babos, S Hobbs, E Dee, L Fairbrother, J Davies, C Hill, A Wainwright, J Benjamin, J Sheekey Replacements: L Belcher, T Davies, N Thomas, R Landman, B Roach, S Pretorius, A O’Brien, J Rosser Cardiff Blues: M Morgan, O Lane, G Smith, R Lee-Lo, A Summerhill, G Anscombe, T Williams, B Thyer, M Rees, A Peikrishvili, S Davies, M Cook, J Navidi, O Robinson, N Williams Replacements: K Myhill, G Jenkins, K Assiratti, D Welch, J Turnbull, L Williams, J Evans, T James Match officials – referee: Andrew Brace AR1: Dan Jones AR2: Adam Jones TMO: Jon Mason TV: BBC2 Wales 1.50pm Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and can be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie
