Cited Scarlet Deacon faces post-Blues ban

Mar 25 2008 by Gareth Griffiths, South Wales Echo

LLANELLI Scarlets prop Deacon Manu is facing a ban for the tackle which forced off Cardiff Blues flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor in the Magners League clash at Stradey Park last Friday.

Sowden-Taylor came off early in the second half following a heavy collision with the Scarlets tighthead, who appeared to lead with his head in the challenge.

The collision was heard all around the ground and had people wincing, though Sowden-Taylor barely flinched, despite being in obvious pain.

Little was said about the incident afterwards, but now Manu has been cited.

The Blues openside is now facing a couple of weeks on the sidelines as the region await to discover the extent of the damage.

Wales hero Martyn Williams could return for the Magners League trip to face Edinburgh at Murrayfield on Friday night, with fellow Grand Slam stars Tom Shanklin and Gethin Jenkins also coming back into the selection equation after being rested for the Scarlets defeat.

The Blues will also try to give some game time to Nicky Robinson who is just about ready after a long absence.

Head coach Dai Young is keen to re-introduce his fly-half and if he comes through against Edinburgh for any length of time, he will start against Toulouse in the big Heineken Cup quarter-final on Sunday week.