London Wasps vs Cardiff Blues preview

David Young has named his team for tomorrow's Amlin Cup semi final against London Wasps with only one recognized scum half, in Darren Allinson.

Wales international scrum half Richie Rees has failed to recover from an ankle injury he picked up in the win over Newport Gwent Dragons last weekend and Gareth Cooper out for the season with a groin injury.

Blues, Wales and Lions centre Jamie Roberts has recovered from his knee injury and takes his place in the starting XV, while Andy Powell still needs two to three weeks to recover from his calf injury.

London Wasps meanwhile have made four changes to the starting line up that faced Bath in last weekend’s St George’s Day Game in front of over 60,000 at Twickenham, Wasps Director of Rugby Tony Hanks has given England and Lions prop, Phil Vickery, his first start since returning from neck surgery. Vickery replaces Ben Broster, who is named on the bench, and is the only change to the Wasps pack.

In the back division Samoan International David Lemi starts on the wing, following recovery from a calf strain. Lemi replaces Tom Varndell who is named amongst the replacements and joined by Danny Cipriani and Steve Kefu as Dave Walder and Ben Jacobs start.

Looking ahead to the game, Hanks said, "Cardiff’s form since Christmas suggests that they’re playing with great confidence and utilising the full depth of their very talented squad. The international quality is evident throughout their team, with some of the best players that Wales has to offer and some hugely exciting southern hemisphere talents.

Reserves : 16 Gareth Williams 17 John Yapp 18 Scott Andrews 19 Bradley Davies 20 Sam Warburton 21 Dai Flanagan 22 Dafydd Hewitt 23 Richard Mustoe