by Jamil Salih
CARDIFF Blues return to Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday to host Gallagher Premiership Rugby outfit Leicester Tigers in the European Challenge Cup.
John Mulvihill’s Blues are boosted by the return of Owen Lane and Hallam Amos from World Cup duty in Japan with Wales.
Speaking ahead of the clash with the Tigers, the Australian was excited about the two returning to contention: “It’s good to finally get those boys back in.
“I’m sure they have enjoyed their time away in the Welsh colours, but I know both Hallam and Laney are keen to put the Cardiff Blues jersey on and have a decent crack out there for us on Saturday night.
“I’m sure they’re looking forward to starting something new at the club and getting off with a big win against a massive European opponent.”
Cardiff’s opponents, Leicester, come into the Challenge Cup tie on the back of a 41-20 bonus-point victory over Pau last weekend whilst the Blues picked up a bonus-point win of their own against Calvisano to go top of Pool 5.
The Tigers’ last visit to Cardiff Arms Park saw them run out 43-9 winners in 2015 and the last time the two clashed, Leicester also triumphed in a 24-12 win at Welford Road in 2018.
Full-back George Worth is relishing the trip to Cardiff and believes his side have what it takes to win: “It’s probably going to be wet, we’re going to have to play the conditions, play the crowd, and it’s a great opportunity to show some maturity and execute the game plan that we’ve set out.
“They’ll try and play quick and deep on the 4G. We’ll have to make sure that our defence is solid.
“I can remember earlier on in the season we went to Bath and got a very good away win with 14 men, so there’s no reason why we can’t go to Wales and beat a strong side with 15.
“We’re really looking forward to the opportunity.”
The clash kicks off at 8pm on Saturday 23 November and is also being shown live on S4C and BT Sport 2.
