By Andrew Collins
October 9 2006

The Cardiff Blues became the team to beat this weekend, following a stunning away win over Saracens.

The 5 try demolition of the London club has given Dai Young’s side a further 5 points in their Anglo-Welsh group, and they now sit clear at the top of the mini-league, with 9 points after the win over Wasps a week previous.

 

They now face a final test against London Irish at home on December 1^st. The Irish beat the Saracens in their first fixture but lost this weekend vs. Wasps. That puts the Blues 4 points clear of the Irish, and 5 over Wasps.

 

It was day to really savour for Blues fans, who witnesses their side get a rare win on the road.

 

A brilliant start by the Welsh side saw them take the lead when Tom Shanklin, followed shortly after by Marc Strchbina. Blair converted one attempt, while the Sarries got on the score sheet through a Jackson penalty.

 

As indiscipline kicked in, the Blues conceded 3 more penalties plus a converted try to go into half time down, 22-15, a score which certainly didn’t match the play.

 

Full Time

 

Saracens 22 Cardiff Blues 15

 

Cardiff started the second period well, attacking the restart and earning a penalty minutes in. Ben Blair stepped up, but his kick hit the post. However Tom Shanklins excellent following up work led to a scrum V and put the home side on the back foot right from the off.

 

The attack that followed saw the superb Mark Lewis evade a strong tackle to go over in the corner. Number 8 Lewis, led from the front for the majority of the match, and fully deserved his try. His attitude was summed up in the try. He took a huge hit in the jaw on the way to the line, and despite being temporarily knocked out, had the innovative to reach the extra yard needed to get the try. His first words after coming around were heard asking the ref “Did I score?” Classic!

 

Lewis went off injured, replaced by Xavier Rush.

 

Xavier will be the first to admit his recent performances have not been up to standard, but Lewis’ great form on the other hand seems to have stirred the best into action.

 

Shortly after coming on, he took the kick off and hit two men hard, sending the backward before a third tackle eventually brought the big man down.

Then it got better, coming off the back of a scrum he ran 20 yards before a beautiful floated pass out to Tom Shanklin, which led to yet another Cardiff attack.

 

But there was no denying, despite Xav or Marc’s good form, the day was all about returning player Tom Shanklin.

 

Ben Blair then found a gap, and his smart pass to Martyn Williams got the Blues moving again, now in search of their illusive 4^th try. Williams ran inside and outside the defence, and go the ball out to Shanklin, whose pace saw the Lion’s centre cross unchallenged.

 

As well as the bonus point, the Cardiff Blues also regained the lead 27-22. Blair slotted over two penalties to take the visitors 11 points ahead.

 

And the game was rounded off when Mosese Luvaitasau read the oppositions attack, and cleverly intercepted a pass, meant for flanker Andy Farrell, to cross for a 5^th try.

 

Saracens scored a late consolation try but it did not take anything away from a brilliant team performance.

 

 

 

The second half showed the character and talent in this squad, it was a team who wanted to play rugby for each other, and for Cardiff.

 

Half Time

 

Saracens 29 Cardiff Blues 40

 

theArmsPark.co.uk Man of the Match – Tom Shanklin

Was simply awesome. Tackled, ran strong and scored two crucial tries. His partnership with Stitch will keep Jamie Robinson out, and that’s saying something as J is a very classy player. He was ever present in attack and defence, and was the best player on the pitch.