Edinburgh game set for go-ahead

PLAYERS and supporters of local rugby clubs who have seen their weekend fixtures wiped out by the weather are being encouraged to head to Murrayfield tomorrow to support Edinburgh against Cardiff Blues.

The Magners League fixture, which kicks off at 6.30pm, is still on schedule to take place despite the recent adverse weather conditions. The stadium's international pitch is in excellent condition and has benefited from the use of hi-tech pitch growth lights since the summer.

Edinburgh have received a delivery of road salt in order to ensure the stadium is accessible for supporters. Originally, spectators were scheduled to watch the game from the East Stand, but this has now changed and reverted back to the West Stand because of safety issues and limited grit supplies.

The decision has been made to concentrate the road salt supplies in one area of the stadium to ensure the West Stand is accessible for everybody attending the fixture. The Roseburn Crescent turnstiles will be closed.

Unfortunately, there will be no car parking available at Murrayfield apart from for disabled supporters (email [email protected] for more details). Edinburgh Rugby Club apologises to its supporters for any inconvenience this causes, and supporters are being asked to use public transport to get to and from Murrayfield, while there will be extensive on-street parking in the nearby area.

Cardiff Blues have named their team, with Ceri Sweeney starting at stand-off and Leigh Halfpenny, who needs game time under his belt, gets a run out at full-back.

"We haven't really taken off this season and haven't really put an 80 minutes performance together," said Cardiff director of rugby David Young. "I'm confident that when we can get some continuity in our selection and get somewhere near our best team out on the field we will start to play the way we can."

Tickets are available from the Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre (situated off Roseburn Street, call 0131 346 5180) and can be purchased on the day of the game - from midday onwards. Any change to the match taking place will be publicised via the club website at www.edinburghrugby.org.

Cardiff Blues: L Halfpenny, R Mustoe, C Laulala, J Roberts, T James, C Sweeney, G Cooper; S Hobbs, R Thomas, T Filise, D Jones, P Tito (c), A Pretorius, M William, A Powell. Substitutes: R James, S Andrews, B Davies, B White, R Rees, D Flanagan, G Thomas.