Warburton’s return delayed by stiff neck

Sam Warburton will not return to action against Pau because of stiffness in his neck, despite fully recovering from a fractured cheekbone.
The Wales captain has been out for three weeks and was expected to return in Cardiff‘s Challenge Cup match tonight but the club have decided not to risk him.
Warburton underwent surgery to install a metal plate in his cheek after sustaining the injury against Leinster on October 1.
“From a head point of view the plate is absolutely fine to play now,” he said. “I had the operation just under two weeks ago and they say as soon as the stitches have healed you’re OK to go.
“The stitches have come out, it’s all healed up nicely – just protect it with a bit of tape so it’s a nice quick turnaround.”
Cardiff, who defeated Bristol last week, will be looking to beat Pau at the Cardiff Arms Park tonight to keep up with Bath‘s undefeated record in the pool.
The Blues have now added a second hooker to their replacements with Wales international Kristian Dacey joining Matthew Rees on the bench.
As well as Warburton, Josh Navidi and Nick Williams are also injured while Cam Dolan is ineligible due to the selection of non-European players Blaine Scully and Jarrad Hoeata.
Cardiff Blues: Dan Fish; Alex Cuthbert, Cory Allen, Garyn Smith, Blaine Scully; Steven Shingler, Lloyd Williams; Gethin Jenkins, Kirby Myhill, Taufa’ao Filise, Jarrad Hoeata, James Down, Macauley Cook, Ellis Jenkins, Josh Turnbull
Replacements: Matthew Rees, Rhys Gill, Scott Andrews, Seb Davies, Kristian Dacey, Tomos Williams, Jarrod Evans, Matthew Morgan
ED HUTSON