IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Focus on Wales
MATCH
OF THE
MONTH
BLUES v GLOUCESTER
HEINEKEN CUP, SUN
19 OCTOBER, 3pm,
MILLENNIUM STADIUM
(LIVE ON SKY SPORTS)
W
E
L
BOTH sides were close to
S
winning their respective
H
leagues last season, but

R
neither kicked off this
U
campaign with a bang so
G
they will be keen for a
B
better start in Europe.
Y
Cardiff Blues captain

Paul Tito will certainly be
F
O
looking to gain an edge
C
up front, particularly in
U
the lineout, which seems
S
a frailty of Gloucester’s.
The backs, however, is
where the most exciting
battle lays. The Blues
have plenty of young
talent, such as Jamie
Roberts, Tom James
[above] and Chris Czekaj.
The Cherry and Whites
have their share of
dangerous runners, too –
James Simpson-Daniel
and Olly Morgan to name
just two – while new boy
things into perspective with regards what to expect and how post-rugby. I’m pretty open-minded about what I might do,
Olly Barkley should be
it’s different to home,” says Willis. “With the wet conditions anything in business or commerce.”
directing operations.
and the nature of training, there’ll be different drills and it’ll be For now, though, the business at hand is the Dragons’
The game has been
a little bit slower compared to home.” performances. Willis showed what he meant about leading
moved to the Millennium
Despite his success on the rugby pitch, Willis has still found from the front when contributing his fi rst try for the region
Stadium so the weather
the time – six-and-a-half years to be exact – to complete a in their second game of the season, but having led 25-6 at
will be of no importance.
law degree. “I started full-time and did that for two years, but half-time they allowed the Scarlets to snatch a 27-25 victory.
With the roof closed both
then the rugby stuff made it too challenging so I did smaller The Kiwi isn’t one to dwell on defeats and will keep the
sides will be able to show
part-time hours. I had a brief bit of fi eld experience for two troops positive, but he needs to ensure the Dragons have
their attacking abilities.
months when I had the back injury, but I haven’t done the a harder, more clinical edge for them to achieve the success
Prediction: Blues to
professional course that admits you to the New Zealand Bar, they crave, especially in Europe. Tough times are the biggest
win by eight points. n
so I’m not a qualifi ed lawyer yet. I really liked doing the law test of a captain, but Willis’s strength of character should see
Tickets: 02920 302030
degree but I don’t know if it’ll keep me interested for 20 years him pass such challenges with aplomb. n
or www.cardiffblues.com
PROFESSIONALLY IT WOULD BE SURFING + HE IS 6ft TALL AND WEIGHS 16st 10lb + HE HAS BEEN WITH HIS GIRLFRIEND, JODY, FOR THREE YEARS
RUGBY WORLD NOVEMBER 2008 135
WALES_Change.indd 135 18/9/08 17:51:24
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