Powell lays in wait for Leinster

Cardiff Blues will have the controversial Andy Powell on the bench in what looks like an extremely strong side to play Leinster in the Magner’s League in Wales on Sunday.

Coach David Young has made only two changes from the side that beat Glasgow (30-7) at Firhill a fortnight ago.

Scott Morgan starts in the second row in place of Deiniol Jones, while Sam Warburton returns from Wales duty and starts at openside.

Young said: "Our last three home matches in the Magners League are against Irish opposition, starting with Leinster, followed by Ulster at the end of the month and Munster in May.

"We know all of these matches will be tough challenges with Irish rugby on a high following last season's achievements. So we know we have a difficult run in, starting with Sunday's game."

CARDIFF BLUES (v Leinster): 15: Ben Blair, 14: Tom James, 13: Casey Laulala, 12: Tom Shanklin, 11: Chris Czekaj, 10: Ceri Sweeney, 9: Gareth Cooper; 1: Taufa'ao Filise, 2: T Rhys Thomas, 3: Gary Powell, 4: Scott Morgan, 5: Paul Tito (capt), 6: Maama Molitika, 7: Sam Warburton, 8: Xavier Rush.

Replacements: 16: Huw Dowden, 17: Scott Andrews, 18: Andries Pretorius, 19: Andy Powell, 20: Lloyd Williams, 21: Sam Norton-Knight, 22: Dafydd Hewitt