Italian job for Lomu and Rush

Cardiff Blues coach David Young has said that both Jonah Lomu and Xavier Rush will feature in Cardiff's forthcoming matches against Italian minnows Calvisano in the Heineken Cup.

Jonah Lomu: Nearly ready

Lomu's anticipated debut would have been against London Irish this coming Saturday, but that is apparently a level too high for him for now as he seeks to build up the fitness in his damaged shoulder.

Cardiff travel to Calvisano on December 10, and play the Italians in a return leg a week later at the Arms Park.

"Jonah has been working hard on his fitness and we will be picking up the contact levels with him this week," said Young

"He won't be involved on Sunday, but he might be ready for next week.

"And if he doesn't make the first Calvisano game, he'll definitely make the second one."

Young also revealed that a similar timescale applies to number eight Xavier Rush, who had a shoulder operation in September.