The draw for the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals, to be played at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on Saturday March 28, 2009 , took place live on live on Scrum V this evening and is as follows:

Gloucester v Ospreys
Cardiff Blues v Northampton Saints

NB: The order of play for the semi-finals will be decided following consultation with the BBC.

EDF Energy Cup semi-finals

SF1 Saturday March 28, 2009, 2.30pm, Ricoh Arena (Live on BBC Network)
SF2 Saturday March 28, 2009, 5.15pm, Ricoh Arena (Live on BBC Network)

EDF Energy Cup final

Saturday April 18, 2009, 2.30pm, Twickenham Stadium (Live on BBC Network)

Tags: EDF Energy Cup

Full previews of the third and vital round of the EDF Energy cup.

FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER TO SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER

EDF ENERGY CUP - POOL A

London Wasps v Newport Gwent Dragons

At Adams Park, Sunday 3pm.

London Wasps won 26-13 at Newcastle in the EDF Energy Cup, but the Londoners have won just once at home so far this season: 25-11 over Castres in the European Cup on 12 October. Wasps have won all five previous game at Adams Park in the EDF Energy Cup. Wasps only loss to a Welsh team in their last six encounters was 20-36 at Cardiff Blues in the EDF Energy Cup on 30 September 2006.

Newport Gwent Dragons have lost their last two games in all competitions. The Dragons only win in their last eight away games was 16-14 against Ulster at Ravenhill on 19 September. The Newport based side have won just one of their last six matches in the EDF Energy Cup: 25-14 over Newcastle on 3 October. The Dragons have never won in eleven previous visits to England in all competitions.

The only previous meeting between the two teams was a 3-all draw in round 1 of the EDF Energy Cup at Rodney Parade last season.

Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester Rugby

At Kingston Park, Sunday 3pm.

Newcastle Falcons’ only win in their last five games was 63-0 at home to Spanish side El Salvador in the European Challenge Cup on 11 October. The Falcons have lost their last three games in the EDF Energy Cup.

Gloucester Rugby have won four of their last five games in all competitions. Gloucester have lost their last two away matches since a 21-17 win at Bath on 13 September. The west countrymen have won their last three games in the EDF Energy Cup.

Newcastle’s only win over Gloucester in their last 12 encounters since 2003 was 19-12 at Kingston Park in the Premiership on 13 April 2007.

Possible EDF Energy Cup Permutations

•    Gloucester need just two match points to secure a semi-final berth for the first time.
•    Should Gloucester lose with no bonus points then the Dragons can only progress provided they beat Wasps with a bonus point.
•    Wasps will reach the last four if they beat the Dragons and Gloucester get no points.
•    Newcastle cannot make it to the semi-finals.

EDF ENERGY CUP - POOL B

Cardiff Blues v Bath Rugby

At Arms Park, Friday 7.35pm. Live on BBC Wales

Cardiff Blues have won their last five matches in all competitions. The Blues are unbeaten at the Arms Park since Edinburgh won there 11-10 in the Magners League on 4 January. Cardiff Blues have won their last three games in the EDF Energy Cup and have never been beaten at the Arms Park in the competition. The Blues have won the last five games they have played against English teams.

Bath Rugby have won their last two games since their 16-18 defeat in Toulouse in the European Cup on 12 October, this represents their only away loss this season.

The only previous meeting between the two teams was at the same stage in last season’s EDF Energy Cup where the Blues won 14-6 at the Rec. Bath’s last visit to the Arms Park was on 16 November 1996 in the quarter-finals of the European Cup with Cardiff RFC winning 22-19.

Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks

At Welford Road, Friday 7.35pm

Leicester Tigers have won all five previous home games they have played in the EDF Energy Cup, and have never failed to make the semi-finals of this competition.

Sale Sharks cannot progress to the last four and have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions. However the Sharks have won four of their last five away games. Sale’s only win in their last six games in the EDF Energy Cup was 25-10 at home to Bath in round two last season.

Sale have won their last two games against Leicester including a 14-11 victory at Welford Road in the Guinness Premiership on 23 February.

Possible EDF Energy Cup Permutations

•    Should Cardiff Blues not lose they will make it to the semi-finals.
•    Bath need to beat the Blues and not allow the Cardiff based teams two bonus points to finish above them in the table.
•    Leicester’s faint hope of qualification for the last four would happen only if the Tigers win with a bonus point, Cardiff Blues do not gain a point and Bath win without a bonus point.
•    In the case of a three way tie on nine points (set up with a 5 point win for Leicester and a 4-1 win for Bath) whoever scores the more tries in the Cardiff v Bath game would progress.
•    Sale cannot qualify for the last four.

EDF ENERGY CUP - POOL C

London Irish v Ospreys

At Madejski Stadium, Sunday 3pm. Live on BBC Wales

London Irish have won their last three matches in all competitions, whilst the Exiles’ only loss at Madejski Stadium since March was 16-20 to Bath in the Premiership on 20 September. London Irish have won two of their last three games in the EDF Energy Cup, but have not beaten a Welsh side in this competition since their 27-23 victory over the Blues in Reading on 4 December 2005.

Ospreys have won four of their last five games in all competitions, but have lost their last two away games. The reigning EDF Energy Cup champions have won their last seven matches in this competition.

The only previous meeting between the two teams was in round two of the EDF Energy Cup at Liberty Stadium last season when Ospreys triumphed 51-16.

Worcester Warriors v Harlequins

At Sixways, Sunday 3pm.

Worcester Warriors’ defeat at Ospreys on Sunday ended a three game winning run in all competitions. The Warriors home record in EDF Energy Cup ties is a disappointing won 2, lost 3.

Harlequins only win in their eight previous EDF Energy Cup games was 10-8 at London Irish on 28 October 2007.

Worcester’s most recent win over Harlequins was 23-22 at Twickenham Stoop in the EDF Energy Cup on 3 November 2007.

Possible EDF Energy Cup Permutations

•    Ospreys require two match points to ensure qualification for the semi-finals.
•    London Irish must beat Ospreys by four clear match points and then hope that Worcester do not win to qualify themselves.
•    Worcester could still progress if they get a bonus point win and Ospreys get nothing from their trip to London Irish.
•    The Warriors could also make the last four in a three way tie on nine points, set up by a Worcester win scoring less than four tries and a 4-0 win by Irish, with Ospreys kept tryless.
•    Harlequins cannot make it to the semi-finals.

EDF ENERGY CUP - POOL D

Results: Saints 30(B) Bristol 17; Saracens 17 Scarlets 26; Scarlets 27 Bristol 0; Saracens 33 Saints 19

Bristol Rugby v Saracens

At Memorial Stadium, Saturday 2.30pm.

Bristol Rugby have won just one of their last 15 games in all competitions: 39-11 at home to Toulon in the European Challenge Cup on 17 October. Bristol are unbeaten in their last three home matches in the EDF Energy Cup.

Saracens have won six of their last seven games in all competitions. Sarries have won back to back away games including the 23-16 victory when they visited Memorial Stadium in the Premiership on 1 October. Saracens have only ever won one away game in the EDF Energy Cup: 46-28 at Leeds on 26 October 2007.

Bristol’s only victory in their last six encounters with Saracens was 18-3 at Memorial Stadium in the Guinness Premiership on 6 January 2008.

Northampton Saints v Scarlets

At Franklin’s Gardens, Saturday 2.30pm. Live on BBC

Northampton Saints’ three game winning run was halted at Saracens on Sunday. The Saints have won their last 20 home games in all competitions since Gloucester won 7-5 at Franklin’s Gardens on 3 March 2007. Northampton’s last home defeat in the EDF Energy Cup was 12-24 to Worcester on 30 September 2006. The Saints have lost just one game at home to a Welsh team: 9-18 to the Scarlets in the European Cup on 1 February 2004.

Scarlets have won their last four matches in the EDF Energy Cup since Bristol beat them 11-18 at Memorial Stadium on 29 October 2007. The Welshmen’s record in England in all competitions is won 4, lost 8.

The two teams have clashed on four previous occasions with Scarlets winning both games in the European Cup in season 2003/04, and the Saints taking both encounters the following year in the same competition.

Possible EDF Energy Cup Permutations

•    Scarlets must avoid defeat to progress to the last four.
•    A Saints win would be enough for a Northampton semi-final appearance provided Saracens do not also win.
•    A three-way tie on nine points would see Scarlets through courtesy of the bonus point they require in a loss at Franklin’s Gardens.
•    Bristol cannot make it to the semi-finals.

HOW THE POOL WINNERS ARE DECIDED
(a) The pool winner will be the team with the highest number of match points in each
pool.
(b) If two teams in the same pool end the pool stage equal on match points, then
qualification will be determined by the results of the match played between the two
sides.
(c) But if the match is a draw:
(i) the team which has scored the greater number of tries in the match; and
(ii) if tries are equal, the team with the best points difference from all three matches
(d) If three teams in the same pool at the end the pool stage are equal on match points,
then qualification will be determined by the results of the matches played between those
three teams concerned (i.e. A v B, A v C, B v C,) as follows:
(i) the team which has earned the greater number of match points from the matches;
(ii) if match points are equal, the team which has scored the most tries in the matches;
and
(iii) if tries are equal, the team with the best points difference from all the matches in the
pool stage.
(e) If all four teams in the same pool end the pool stage equal on match points, then
qualification will be determined by:
(i) most tries scored in the pool stage; or
(ii) if tries are equal, the best points difference from all the matches in the pool stage.
(f) If qualification is still unresolved, qualification will be based on:
(i) if points difference is equal, the team with the fewest number of players shown a red
card in the pool stage; or
(ii) if the number of players shown a red card in the pool stage is equal, the team with
the fewest number of players shown a yellow card in the pool stage; or
(iii) if still unresolved, by the toss of a coin.

Tags: EDF Energy Cup

New signing Craig Newby began work with his new teammates and declared he cannot wait to wear the famous Leicester Tigers jersey.

New Zealand international Newby has started training with Tigers following his arrival from Otago.

The 29-year-old could make his debut in Tigers’ EDF Energy Cup Pool B game against Sale Sharks at Welford Road on Friday night.

Newby said: “I am really looking forward to the Sale game.

“Hopefully I will get a taste of wearing the green shirt at home, which will be quite nice.

“Even though I have recently arrived I have been a supporter of the Tigers since I knew I was joining the club.

“I am fit and ready to go and can’t wait to be involved.”

A versatile loose forward, Newby can play anywhere across the back-row and was captain of Otago.

He hopes to transfer the talents that have helped him win three caps for the All Blacks to Tigers.

Newby said: “Wherever Heyneke Meyer wants me I will play there.”

To purchase tickets for Friday’s EDF Energy Cup game against Sale Sharks contact the Tigers ticket office on 08701 28 34 30 or visit www.leicestertigers.com

Tags: Craig Newby, EDF Energy Cup

Welsh sides top three of the four groups as the EDF Energy Cup reaches the final round of the group stage.

However, all those leading Welsh regions face matches with the second placed English club in their group this weekend, meaning the look of the semi-final, scheduled to take place at the Ricoh Arena Coventry on Saturday 28th March, could yet be radically altered.

Gloucester Rugby are the only English team to head a group, sitting on top of Group A with wins over London Wasps and Newport Gwent Dragons already under their belts. A win at Kingston Park against Newcastle Falcons on Sunday would guarantee them their first Anglo-Welsh semi-final. Should they falter and they wouldn’t be the first to find Kingston Park a tough place to get a result, then the winners of the London Wasps versus Newport Gwent Dragons match will be there to sweep up and claim the semi-final spot.

Cardiff Blues cemented their position at the top of Group B with a comprehensive win over Leicester Tigers at Cardiff Arms Park. They stay in their famous old ground this week for the visit of Guinness Premiership leaders Bath Rugby and will be favourites to qualify. For their part, Bath Rugby will know that a win should clinch qualification for them, although Leicester Tigers could still get through if they convincingly beat Sale Sharks as they beat Bath Rugby in round one, giving them an advantage in the case of the teams being equal on points.

In Group C the Ospreys continued to justify their tag as pre-tournament favourites, with a four try victory over Mike Ruddock’s Worcester Warriors side on Sunday at Sixways.

Ospreys now travel to Reading to take on London Irish at the Madejski Stadium. The Exiles produced a glittering performance to see off Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop and may well fancy their chances of upsetting those odds to knock-out the EDF Energy Cup holders.

Worcester Warriors could still sneak through. They find themselves in a similar position to Leicester Tigers, having beaten London Irish in round one, they could still go through if they manage to convincingly beat Harlequins at Sixways and finish level on points with the Exiles.

The Scarlets are the third Welsh region to boast a one hundred percent record, running out comfortable winners against Bristol Rugby in the last competitive match at Stradey Park before Scarlets move down the road to the new Park Y Scarlets.

Their banana skin could well be Northampton Saints, who play host to the Scarlets at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday in front of the BBC cameras. Defeat at Vicarage Road to Eddie Jones’s thrusting young Saracens has dented their chances of progressing, but a win against Scarlets would most likely secure their passage through to what would be virtually a home semi-final.

Saracens could yet qualify if they can register a big win against Bristol Rugby. That would leave them hoping that Northampton only scrape past their Welsh opponents and the Men in Black finish level on points and go through courtesy of their win on Sunday.

Tags: EDF Energy Cup

This weekend sees round 2 of the EDF Energy cup take place, www.english-rugby-news.com brings you a full set of previews of the round.

ROUND 2 – PREVIEW

FRIDAY 24 TO SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER

EDF ENERGY CUP - POOL A

Newcastle Falcons v London Wasps

At Kingston Park, Friday 8pm.

Newcastle Falcons have won just one of their past four games in all competitions: 63-0 at home to Spanish side El Salvador in the European Challenge Cup. The Falcons have won their last three matches at Kingston Park since a Sale victory there 14-9 in the Guinness Premiership on 7 September. Newcastle have lost their last two games in the EDF Energy Cup.

London Wasps have won only one of their last four games in all competitions: 25-11 at home to Castres in the European Cup on 12 October. Wasps have won just once on the road this season: 28-19 at Leicester in the Premiership on 26 September. The Londoners, who won this tournament in 2005/06, have lost their last two games in the EDF Energy Cup.

Newcastle’s only win in their last six encounters against Wasps since 2005 was 37-11 at Kingston Park in the Premiership on 23 February 2007.

Gloucester Rugby v Newport Gwent Dragons

At Kingsholm, Saturday 3pm.

Gloucester Rugby’s 24-37 defeat at Cardiff Blues on Sunday ended a three game winning run in all competitions, and was their second successive defeat to a Welsh team. Gloucester have won their last four games at Kingsholm since Leicester were victorious there, 20-8, in the Guinness Premiership on the opening weekend of the season. The west countrymen have lost just one of their last six matches in the EDF Energy Cup: 26-29 to Wasps at Adams Park on 4 November 2007.

Newport Gwent Dragons’ 9-13 reversal at Bath on Sunday ended a four game winning streak. The men from Gwent have won only one away game since early January: 16-14 at Ulster in the Magners League on 19 September. The Dragons are attempting to win back to back games in the EDF Energy Cup for the first time, whilst no Welsh side has ever won a competition game at Kingsholm.

The two sides’ only previous meeting was in round 3 of the EDF Energy Cup last season at Rodney Parade where the visitors took a narrow 13-11 victory.

EDF ENERGY CUP - POOL B

At Edgeley Park, Friday 7.45pm

Sale Sharks have won just one of their last four encounters in all competitions: 32-15 at home to Clermont Auvergne in the European Cup on 19 October.

The Sharks have lost their last two games at Edgeley Park; 17-18 to Cardiff Blues in round 1 of the EDF Energy Cup and 16-24 to Munster in the European Cup.
Bath Rugby beat Newport Gwent Dragons 13-9 in the European Cup at the Rec on Sunday. Bath, who were semi-finalists in this competition in 2005/06, have won just one of their last eight games in the EDF Energy Cup: 20-14 at home to Leicester in the opening round last season.

The last seven encounters between the two clubs have all been won by the home side on the day, whilst Bath have not won at Edgeley Park since a 24-23 victory in the quarter finals of the RFU Senior Cup on 21 January 2005.

Cardiff Blues v Leicester Tigers

At Arms Park, Saturday 2.35pm. Live on BBC

Cardiff Blues are on an impressive run of four straight wins in all competitions since their 20-28 defeat at Munster in the Magners League on 20 September 2008. The Blues are unbeaten at home since a 10-11 reversal to Edinburgh at the Arms Park on 4 January. The Welshmen’s only defeat in their last four EDF Energy Cup ties was 20-42 at Leicester on 3 November 2007. The Blues are unbeaten in their last six matches against English teams.

Leicester Tigers have lost just one game this season: 19-28 at home to Wasps in the Guinness Premiership on 26 September. The Tigers have won their last five away games since the 25-28 defeat at Newcastle in the Premiership on 4 May. Leicester, who were beaten finalists in last season’s EDF Energy Cup, have lost just one of their last ten games against Welsh opponents: 6-23 to the Ospreys in last year’s EDF Energy Cup final at Twickenham.

Leicester have won all three previous encounters between the two sides, but have never won at this particular ground in eight previous visits since it was opened in 1970.

EDF ENERGY CUP - POOL C

Harlequins v London Irish

At Twickenham Stoop, Saturday 3pm

Harlequins have won three of their last four matches in all competitions with the loss being 23-24 at Ospreys in the 1st round of this season’s EDF Energy Cup on 5 October. Quins have won just one of their seven previous encounters in this competition: 10-8 over London Irish at Madejski Stadium on 28 October 2007.

London Irish have won four of their last five games in all competitions, with their defeat also being three weeks ago in the EDF Energy Cup, 5-22 at Worcester. The Exiles’ only win in the EDF Energy Cup since September 2006 was 48-27 at home to Worcester Warriors on 2 December 2007.
London Irish have won the last two encounters between the two clubs including a 28-27 victory at the Stoop in the Guinness Premiership on 27 September.

Ospreys v Worcester Warriors

At Liberty Stadium, Sunday 3.05pm. Live on BBC Wales

Defending EDF Energy Cup champions, Ospreys, have won three of their last four matches in all competitions. Ospreys only defeat in their last twelve EDF Energy Cup ties was 35-41 to Leicester in the 2007 final at Twickenham. The Welshmen have lost just one of their last eleven games at Liberty Stadium: 18-19 to Edinburgh in the Magners League on 2 May.

Worcester Warriors have won their last three games against London Irish in the EDF Energy Cup, and at Padova and Bucharest in the European Challenge Cup. The Warriors are attempting to win back to back matches in this competition for the first time, and have won just one of three previous games against Welsh opponents.

The only previous meeting between the two sides was at Sixways on 27 October 2007 in last season’s EDF Energy Cup where Ospreys triumphed 47-16.

EDF ENERGY CUP - POOL D

Scarlets v Bristol Rugby
At Stradey Park, Friday 7.05pm. Live on BBC Wales

This will be quite an emotional evening for rugby fans as the Scarlets play their very last game after 129 years of play at the famous old Stradey Park before relocating to the custom built Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli. Scarlets only win in their last five outings in all competitions was 26-17 at home to Saracens in the 1st round of this season’s EDF Energy Cup. The Welshmen have won their last three ties in the EDF Energy Cup.

Bristol Rugby’s 39-11 victory at home to Toulon in the European Challenge Cup ended an unwanted run of 13 straight defeats in all competitions. Bristol have not won away from home since their 28-8 victory at Newcastle in the Premiership on 16 March, whilst their last win in Wales was 29-21 over Neath at the Gnoll in the ill feted Anglo-Welsh Cup on 10 September 1996.

Since Scarlets became a region in 2003 the two sides have met just once before, with Bristol taking the spoils 18-11 at Memorial Stadium in the 1st round of last season’s EDF Energy Cup.

Saracens v Northampton Saints

At Vicarage Road, Sunday 3pm

Saracens have won five of their last six matches in all competitions – the loss being 17-26 to the Scarlets in the 1st round of the EDF Energy Cup. Saracens, who were semi-finalists in the EDF Energy Cup last season, have lost their last three encounters in the competition.

Northampton Saints have won their last three matches in all competitions including the 30-17 victory at home to Bristol in round 1 of the EDF Energy Cup. The Saints have won their last two games in the EDF Energy Cup.

Saracens have won six of their last seven encounters with the Saints, whilst Northampton’s last win at Vicarage Road was 22-18 in the Premiership on 15 February 2004.

Tags: EDF Energy Cup

Newcastle centre Jamie Noon has spoken of the determination in the Falcons camp to put right last week’s result in Brive, as they host London Wasps in Friday’s EDF Energy Cup encounter at Kingston Park.

Noon’s Newcastle side fell last time out in France despite matching Brive three tries to three, but in the aftermath the England centre revealed the focus from within the squad to regain winning ways.

“Playing away to a good side you want to be close and make sure towards the end of the game that you are in with a shout, so it was obviously disappointing to come away from Brive with nothing,” he said.

“In sport there is always an element of winning and losing games, and over the course of a season every team is going to make mistakes, but in terms of stringing the results together we know we’ve not quite been up to scratch. There have been good bits of games, but we are yet to do it for the full 80 minutes this season and I think lapses in concentration have cost us dear.

“We let ourselves down in vital areas in Brive, partly discipline and partly with our own personal skills, and we as players have to take responsibility for that. We are working hard in training, which is a given, and translating that in to the games is the key.

“It’s quite easy for people to blame the coaches after a defeat, but it’s the players who are out there on the pitch. You can’t expect the coaches to sort everything out for you during a game, it’s the players who are there making the decisions.

“Part of professional sport is having pride in your own personal performance, working on your skills to make sure they are at the best possible level for every game. There are lots of extras going on after training now, guys are taking that extra step to prepare themselves and I’m sure we will see a reaction against Wasps this Friday.”

Admitting it is “a bit strange” to be reunited with Tom May in the centres, Noon added: “It’s llike the old days, but it’s good fun and we’re gradually getting used to each other again.”

Turning attention to Friday’s visit of London Wasps in what promises to be a decisive game for the Falcons’ semi-final ambitions, Noon said: “This weekend is a great opportunity for us in the EDF Energy Cup, and despite our result in Newport we feel we are still very much alive in this competition and giving it a good fist this weekend with a strong team.

“Playing against Wasps is always tough, especially with the way they defend and the depth of quality they have, but I’m sure we will rise to the occasion because we all know how important it is to win games.

“Training has gone well so far, especially after getting the whole weekend off which is quite rare during the season.

“With playing Thursday and travelling all day Friday we had a full Saturday and Sunday at home with our families, and what that does is just recharge the batteries and ensures everybody comes in to training with a massive amount of enthusiasm.”

With two EDF Energy Cup home games in quick succession against Wasps on Friday and then Gloucester on November 2, the Falcons are offering fans a two-for-one ticket offer. Standing tickets are available for £20 to watch both games, with seating for just £40. To book, or for more information, call 0871 226 60 60.

Tags: EDF Energy Cup, Jamie Noon

Round 2

Friday October 24

Pool A Newcastle Falcons v London Wasps (8pm)

Pool B Sale Sharks v Bath Rugby (7.45pm)

Pool D Scarlets v Bristol Rugby (7.05pm, BBC Wales)

Saturday October 25

Pool A Gloucester Rugby v Newport Gwent Dragons (3pm)

Pool B Cardiff Blues v Leicester Tigers (2.35pm, BBC One)

Pool C Harlequins v London Irish (3pm)

Sunday October 26

Pool C Ospreys v Worcester Warriors (3.05pm, BBC Wales)

Pool D Saracens v Northampton Saints (3pm)

Round 3

Friday October 31

Pool B Cardiff Blues v Bath Rugby (7.35, BBC Wales)

Pool B Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks (7.35pm)

Saturday November 1

Pool D Northampton Saints v Scarlets (2.30pm, BBC One)

Pool D Bristol Rugby v Saracens (2.30pm)

Sunday November 2

Pool A Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester Rugby (3pm)

Pool A London Wasps v Newport Gwent Dragons (3pm)

Pool C London Irish v Ospreys (3pm, BBC Wales)

Pool C Worcester Warriors v Harlequins (3pm)

Semi-finals: Saturday, March 28 2009 - Ricoh Arena, Coventry (2.30pm & 5.15pm)

Final: Saturday, April 18 2009 - Twickenham Stadium (2.30pm)

Tags: EDF Energy Cup

The Welsh rugby regions have made the perfect start to this years EDF ENERGY CUP with 4 wins out of 4 in round 1.

FRIDAY 3 TO SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER

POOL A

NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS (13)25 NEWCASTLE FALCONS (7)14

Marc Stcherbina(20)
Rory Clegg(2C)
Tom Isaacs(60)
Penalty Try(36)
Jason Tovey(69/2C/2P)
Ollie Phillips(44)
Att: 4,683

GLOUCESTER RUGBY (14)24 LONDON WASPS (13)19

Ryan Lamb(D)
Jeremy Staunton(2P)
Lesley Vainikolo(23)
Dave Walder(P)
Willie Walker(47/C/3P)
Mark Robinson(5)
Att: 7,864
James Haskell(38)

POOL B

(b)
BATH RUGBY (12)15 LEICESTER TIGERS (13)19

Andrew Higgins(5/33)
Derick Hougaard(C/D/3P)
Robbie Kydd(C/P)
Ben Youngs(18)
Att: 10,600

SALE SHARKS (11)17 CARDIFF BLUES (10)18

Nick Macleod(4P)
Ben Blair(C/P)
Rudi Keil(16)
Ceri Sweeney(P)
Att: 7,485
Leigh Halfpenny(12)
Richard Mustoe(74)

POOL C

OSPREYS (14)24 HARLEQUINS (3)23

James Hook(C/4P)
Waisea Luveniyali(2C/3P)
Shane Williams(35)
de Wet Barry(44)
Tommy Bowe(78)
Tani Fuga(54)
Att: 8,057

WORCESTER WARRIORS (12)22 LONDON IRISH (0)5

Matthew Jones(C)
Peter Richards(54)
Miles Benjamin(16/61)
Att: 7,433
Graham Kitchener(30)
Loki Crichton(76)

POOL D

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS (13)30 BRISTOL RUGBY (10)17

Barry Everitt(2C/2P)
Chris Ashwin(C)
Paul Diggin(8)
Mathew Turner(3/21)
Lee Dickson(23)
Vunga Lilo(71)
Chris Ashton(48)
Att: 11,301
Chris Mayor(55)

SARACENS (14)17 SCARLETS (16)26

Gordon Ross(2C/P)
Stephen Jones(2C/4P)
Francisco Leonelli Morey(12)
David Lyons(8)
Noah Cato(18)
Kees Meeuws(48)
Att:

ROUND TWO FIXTURES

Friday October 24

Pool A: Newcastle Falcons v London Wasps (8pm)
Pool B: Sale Sharks v Bath Rugby (7.45pm)
Pool D: Scarlets v Bristol Rugby (7.05pm, BBC Wales)

Saturday October 25

Pool A: Gloucester Rugby v Newport Gwent Dragons (3pm)
Pool B: Cardiff Blues v Leicester Tigers (2.35pm, BBC One)
Pool C: Harlequins v London Irish (3pm)

Saturday October 26

Pool C: Ospreys v Worcester Warriors (3.05pm, BBC Wales)
Pool D: Saracens v Northampton Saints (3pm)

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

EDF Energy Cup Round 3: 31 October, 1-2 November 2008
EDF Energy Cup Semi-finals: 28 March 2009 at Ricoh Arena, Coventry (2.30pm and 5.15pm)
EDF Energy Cup Final: 18 April 2009 at Twickenham (2.30pm)

Tags: EDF Energy Cup

Owen Farrell will become the youngest player in the history of the EDF Energy Cup and Guinness Premiership if he takes to the field against Llanelli Scarlets at Vicarage Road on Sunday, kick off 3pm.

Farrell has been named on the bench for the clash and as he will be 17 years and 11 days on Sunday, he will be the youngest to appear in either competition - beating Danny Cipriani by 36 days (17 years and 47 days) when he featured for Wasps at Bristol in the Powergen Cup in December 2004.

For Sunday’s game, Director of Rugby Eddie Jones has demonstrated the strength in depth within his squad by making 14 changes to his starting line-up for the Scarlets clash - but has still selected a side that boasts just under 1,000 appearances for Saracens and over 100 test caps.

The 17-year-old Farrell, who featured in Saracens pre-season matches against Western Force and Toulon, is also one of six players in the 22 who could make their first team debuts for the club on Sunday.

Set to break the all time record for rugby, Owen is slightly older than his Dad who made his rugby league debut aged 16 and was Great Britain’s youngest ever captain aged 21 years and four months - so he’s still got some way to go.

“There’s quite a bit of excitement in the Farrell household at the moment,” explained proud father Andy Farrell who is set to return next week following the hand injury that has kept him out of the opening weeks of the 2008/09 season. “I’m not quite sure who is more excited about it - Owen or me! He’s been working very hard to combine his rugby and school commitments and that has meant a lot of early starts to get to training. But he’s been working hard and it will be a very proud moment for the family if he makes his Saracens first team debut on Sunday.”

Along with Farrell, fellow Academy players Alex Walker, Hayden Smith, Jackson Wray and Mickey Wilson are on the bench, while 6ft 7in second row Harry Spencer makes his full debut alongside Kris Chesney in the starting line-up.

“This side shows the strength in depth we are developing at Saracens and this is a team that has hundreds of appearances, dozens of test caps and plenty of experience and skill within it,” explained Jones.

“Those guys who were involved at Bristol on Wednesday were disappointed when I told them they wouldn’t be involved this weekend and that’s exactly the kind of attitude we are looking for. But it’s also important that we manage the squad. We’ve had a pretty settled team for the first five matches this season so this weekend is an opportunity for those who haven’t been involved.

“We’re looking for these guys coming in to stake a claim in the side. We’ve already seen Andy Saull do that this season and we’ve got a mix of some skilful young players and the smarts that comes with experience so it’s a great chance for people to step up to the mark.”

Fijian captain and scrumhalf Moses Rauluni will lead the side for the first time.

Saracens line-up vs Llanelli Scarlets

15 Dan Scarbrough
14 Edd Thrower
13 Francisco Leonelli
12 Alex Goode
11 Noah Cato
10 Gordon Ross
9 Moses Rauluni ©
1 Nick Lloyd
2 Matt Cairns
3 Tom Mercey
4 Harry Spencer
5 Kris Chesney
6 Don Barrell
7 Andy Saull
8 Ben Skirving

16 Alex Walker
17 Cobus Visagie
18 Hayden Smith
19 Jackson Wray
20 Mickey Wilson
21 Owen Farrell
22 Rodd Penney

Tags: EDF Energy Cup, Owen Farrell

This weekend sees the start of the EDF ENERGY CUP between the top teams in English and Welsh Rugby

FRIDAY 3 TO SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER

POOL A

Newport Gwent Dragons v Newcastle Falcons

At Rodney Parade, Friday 7.05pm. Live on BBC Wales.

Newport Gwent Dragons have won their last two games against Ulster and Edinburgh in the Magners League. The Dragons have not won in their last four EDF Energy Cup ties since a 26-7 victory over Northampton Saints at Rodney Parade on 7 October 2006. Newport Gwent Dragons have lost their last four matches against English teams in all competitions.

Newcastle Falcons play at Gloucester on Tuesday evening. The Falcons only loss in their last five games against Welsh opponents was 20-22 at the Scarlets on 9 October 2005.

The Dragons have lost all three previous encounters they have had with Newcastle including a 29-24 defeat at Kingston Park in the 2nd round of last season’s EDF Energy Cup.

Gloucester Rugby v London Wasps

At Kingsholm, Saturday 2.30pm. Live on BBC One.

Gloucester Rugby entertain Newcastle at Kingsholm on Tuesday evening. Gloucester’s only reversal in their last five games in the EDF Energy Cup was 26-29 to Wasps in a pool game at Adams Park in last season’s competition. Gloucester have never lost a home game in the EDF Energy Cup.

London Wasps play host to Bath in the Guinness Premiership on Wednesday. Wasps have won seven of their last eight games played on opposition soil, but in the EDF Energy Cup the Londoners have not won on the road since a 30-26 victory at London Irish on 2 October 2005. Wasps reached the semi-finals last season where they perished at the hands of Leicester.

Wasps have lost the last two games they have played against Gloucester and have not won at Kingsholm since a 37-32 triumph in the Premiership on 6 May 2006.

POOL B

Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers

At The Rec, Saturday 2.15pm

Bath Rugby visit London Wasps on Wednesday evening, whilst at the Rec Bath have won seven of their last eight matches. Bath’s only win in their last seven games in the EDF Energy Cup was 20-14 over Leicester at the Rec in last season’s opening round.

Leicester Tigers entertain Northampton Saints on Wednesday evening. The Tigers have won their last three away games in all competitions since losing 25-28 at Newcastle in the Premiership on 4 May. Leicester, who were finalists in last year’s EDF Energy Cup, have lost three of the four away games they have ever played in this competition.

Bath have won their last two matches against the Tigers, whilst Leicester’s only win at the Rec since 2003 was 19-12 in the Premiership on 25 March 2006.

Sale Sharks v Cardiff Blues

At Edgeley Park, Saturday 3pm

Sale Sharks visit London Irish in the Guinness Premiership on Wednesday night. The Sharks’ only defeat at Edgeley Park in their last seven matches was 7-17 to London Irish in the Premiership on 10 May. Sale’s only win in their last four EDF Energy Cup encounters was 25-10 over Bath at Stockport in round 2 last season. Sale have lost three of the last four matches they have played against Welsh opponents.

Cardiff Blues have won two of their last three games in the Magners League, but have been defeated in their last two away matches at Ospreys and Munster. The Blues have not lost a game to an English team since the 20-42 reversal at Leicester in the Heineken Cup on 3 November 2007. Cardiff Blues have won twice before on English soil in the EDF Energy Cup: 40-29 at Saracens in October 2006 and 14-6 at Bath in round 3 last season.

All three previous encounters between the two sides in all competitions have been won by the home side on the day, including the 32-15 Blues victory at the Arms Park in last year’s opening round.

POOL C

Worcester Warriors v London Irish

At Sixways, Sunday 3pm

Worcester Warriors entertain Harlequins on Thursday evening. The Warriors have won just three of their previous nine EDF Energy Cup ties with only one of those victories being at Sixways: 23-22 against Harlequins in round 2 last season.

London Irish host Sale Sharks on Wednesday night. The Exiles have won three of their last four away games. London Irish’s last game in the EDF Energy Cup was also against Worcester where they gained a 48-27 victory at Madejski Stadium to end a four game losing streak in the competition.

Worcester have not beaten London Irish since a 20-15 win at Madejski Stadium in the Premiership on 11 September 2005.

Ospreys v Harlequins

At Liberty Stadium, Sunday 3.05pm. Live on BBC Wales

Defending EDF Energy Cup champions, Ospreys, have won four of their last five matches in the Magners League. Ospreys only defeat in their last eleven EDF Energy Cup ties was 35-41 to Leicester in the 2007 final at Twickenham. The Welshmen have won four of their last five games against English teams in all competitions, whilst the only English side to win at Liberty Stadium in the EDF Energy Cup is Bath, 27-20, on 9 October 2005.

Harlequins visit Worcester on Thursday evening. ‘Quins only previous victory in the EDF Energy Cup was 10-8 over London Irish at Madejski Stadium on 28 October 2007, whilst their most recent victory over a Welsh side was 31-27 over Caerphilly in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup at the Stoop on 19 October 2002.
Ospreys have won all three previous encounters with Harlequins in all competitions including a 19-8 victory at the Stoop in round 3 of the EDF Energy Cup last season.

POOL D

Northampton Saints v Bristol Rugby

At Franklin’s Gardens, Saturday 3pm

Northampton Saints visit Leicester Tigers on Wednesday night. The Saints are unbeaten in their last 19 home games in all competitions since the 5-7 loss to Gloucester in the Premiership on 3 March 2007.

Bristol Rugby host Saracens on Wednesday evening. Bristol have not won on the road since a 28-8 victory at Newcastle in the Premiership on 16 March. Bristol’s only win in their last five EDF Energy Cup ties was 18-11 over the Scarlets at Memorial Stadium on 28 October 2007.

Bristol won both of the most recent encounters with Northampton in season 2006-07 in the Premiership, whilst the Saints last win at Memorial Stadium was 19-16 in the Premiership on 30 April 2006.

Saracens v Scarlets

At Vicarage Road, Sunday 3pm

Saracens visit Bristol on Wednesday night. Saracens have won three of their last four “home” games although two of these wins were gained at the Milton Keynes stadiummk and Twickenham. Saracens have lost all four previous games they have played against Welsh opponents in the EDF Energy Cup.

Scarlets have lost their last two games in the Magners League, but both were away from home in Scotland, against Edinburgh and Glasgow. Scarlets have won only one of their last eight games played in England: 32-25 at London Irish in the European Cup on 20 October 2006.

The two sides have met just once before: in round 3 of the EDF Energy Cup last season at Stradey Park where the home side won 36-32.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
EDF Energy Cup Round 2: 24-26 October 2008
EDF Energy Cup Round 3: 31 October, 1-2 November 2008
EDF Energy Cup Semi-finals: 28-29 March 2009
EDF Energy Cup Final: 18 April 2009 at Twickenham (2.30pm)

Tags: EDF Energy Cup