Surprisingly, the first half belonged to the visitors, who had 63% of the territory but failed to take their possession into points. An otherwise great first forty for the Welsh region ended sourly with the sin binning, albeit harshly, of Gareth Williams plus the loss of Nick Robinson, both proving huge blows to the Blues chances.

Fifteen points were conceded during the period where the Blues were down to fourteen men, and without Robinson they looked uncreative and made silly errors. Dai Flannagan once again proved that he's still not quite up to the mark, although in fairness he wasn't the only man to blame. His missed tackles, poor restart and his general play lacked confidence and skill. Without wanting to sound harsh on the youngster, this is why the Blues need a solid back up at 10.

But more surprising was the poor performance of the players inside him. Tom Shanklin and Gareth Thomas, who I had pinned as crucial to any Cardiff success, were found wanting today. They failed to run their lines well, couldn't break the line and looked completely off form.

In truth, only Ritchie Rees and Jamie Roberts can come out of that back line with any praise. Rees looked energetic in the first half, while Roberts looked very strong in defence, making two or three big, important tackles.

However for the forward it was a different story. As ever this year, the line-out was untouchable, while the scrum looked ten times better than last weak against Sale. The introduction of John yapp proved a master stroke. The still young Cardiff-born prop was the creator for the Blues first try, and his general play around the park was excellent. An early tip perhaps to be included in the 6 Nations squad comes next year.

His hooking partner Gareth Williams also looked in fine form. The line out excelled under his command, while he too made some great in roads in the first half. His yellow card was harsh, but unfortunately did cost us today.

Likewise Xavier Rush was in fine form. He scored the opening try for the Blues, and was constantly making yards with ball in hand. His driving play was excellent against a big Leicester back row, and his tackle count must've been huge.

All the Blues first half hard work counted for nothing as they went in at the break 9-6 down, but as the Tigers got their tails up, it was always going to be very hard to come back.

For a moment it did look like they could however. John Yapp running a hard 25 meters only to be haled down a matter of inches short, Xavier Rush eventually barged his way over from close range, with 3 Tigers hanging off him.

But it was short lived as some enterprising back play saw the home side extend their lead further. As the 5^th try was scored, a penalty try after the Blues continually infringed at a five meter scrum, the scoreboard began to look a bit embarrassing. However thankfully, and fully deservedly, Ben Blair converted his own score after a nice slip pass from Flannagan.

Given the second half dominance by Leicester, the scoreline probably was about right. It was a shame that Williams was binned, and more so that Robinson went off injured, but in truth any side going to Welford road will struggle.

It could've been different if Cardiff could've converted their possession into points, but they couldn't, and that shows more about Leicester's defensive work than it does against our attacking play.

It wasn't the result anyone in Blue would've wanted, but it was an improvement on last years trouncing.

Bristol home will be a different prospect in next weeks Heineken Cup match, but I remain confident that Cardiff can and will qualify to the quarter finals of the European cup.

As for the EDF, it's probably over now for Dai Young's side, but with that fixture list it was always going o be tough. Young's attention will turn to the Hiene now, where hopefully, some success finally awaits.

Leicester (9) 42
Tries: Varndell, J Murphy (2), Hipkiss, Penalty try
Cons: Goode, Burke (3)
Pens:Goode (3)

Cardiff (6) 20
Try: Rush, Blair
Cons: Blair (2)
Pens: Blair (2)

Cardiff Blues
Blair, J. Roberts, Shanklin, G. Thomas, James, N. Robinson, Rees, Yapp, G. Williams, Filise, Davies, Tito, Molitika, M. Williams, Rush.

G. Powell, R. Thomas, Sidoli, Morgan, Spice, Flanagan, R. Williams

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

Related Articles:

• Blues face serious challenge Vs Leicester