Cardiff Blues
Something is very, very wrong
Something is very wrong
By Andrew Collins
April 15 2015
It doesn't take a genius to see that there is a sickness engulfing the Cardiff Blues, and has been for some time...
10th in the Guinness Pro 12. Facing a second consecutive season out of the top tier of European rugby. Losing to Italian sides. Second placed in the poll stages of the Challenge Cup. Knocked out at the QF stages to the Dragons.
It is a pathetic state of affairs. Never before has Cardiff rugby been this low.
All of the above would be cause for major alarm in itself, but when you consider the optimism pre-season following a summer of appetite-whetting recruitment - Hoeata, Anscombe, Adam Jones - a new coach with years of Super Rugby experience and all on the back of an impressive end of season under John and Chief, it makes the quality of rugby and unacceptable results all the more concerning.
This was meant to be the year we finally turned the corner, instead we've reached a whole new low.
You don't need any rugby knowledge to see that something is very, very wrong - just look at the table - but trying to put your finger on exactly what is wrong, is much more of a mystery.
The obvious first place to turn is the coach, but Justin Burnell/Gareth Baber, Phil Davies, Mark Hammett and John/Chief have all had their chance and none have been able to stop decline since Dai Young's departure.
So it must be the squad. We've been through hundreds of players in the past 6 years and, bar a handful who have moved on to bigger and better teams, the majority have performed below the expected level.
But it's not that simple. This squad SHOULD be better. They SHOULD be competing for top 6. They SHOULD be topping their second tier European Cup group and pushing to win it.
Something is very, very wrong.
Is it recruitment? Perhaps. There have been a number of signing who have not lived up to expectation. Craig Mitchell, Adam Jones, Hoeata, Vosawai to name just who signed last summer. But they looked like good signings when they were made, so why didn't they perform?
Perhaps the answer is more deep routed and than simply one coach or a handful of players underperforming. There seems to be a growing attitude problem within the whole club. When you compare Cardiff Blues with The Ospreys at the start of this year, they looked like two teams going in opposite directions. The Ospreys had just lost Richard Hibbard, Ryan Jones, Adam Jones, Ian Evans, Matthew Morgan and Tito Tebaldi, while the Blues, as stated above, looked to have the stronger squad. Yet, as if to intent on defying their critics, they began the season with a seven match unbeaten run – that’s more wins than Cardiff have managed in 19 games so far this season.
The contrast between the attitude of the Ospreys players and the Cardiff Blues is overwhelming!
Remember Adam Jones’ 30 yard drop goal attempt earlier in the season? Remember seeing him laugh about it. We lost that match. Ever seen a leinster/Munster/Ospreys/Ulster/Toulon/Toulouse prop ever try something like that? Of course not. It’s not because they couldn’t do at least as good a job, it’s that they have more respect for their team, for the opposition and for the victory.
That’s not to say I’m blaming the players as individuals, there are a number of Cardiff players who have looked every bit as committed as their Ospreys rivals – Josh Navidi, Josh Turnbull, Rhys Patchell and Macauley Cook immediately spring to mind as stand outs, however even they seem to lack the mental toughness, nastiness and arrogance of other sides.
The players look so low on confidence even before kick off, which is demonstrated by the vast amount of tries we’ve conceded in the opening 10 minutes of matches this year.
Got a spare 10 minutes today? Go through the Cardiff Blues player profile page – http://www.cardiffblues.com/rugby/first_team_squad.php - count how many players would make it into the Ospreys squad and post your answers below.
Something is very, very wrong and what’s most concerning is trying to envisage a way to solve it. Signing Jamie Roberts papers over cracks; the world’s best coach would struggle to achieve with the amount of deadwood in key positions; changing a losing mentality can only come with wins and we don’t seem capable of getting any.
In an ideal world this summer would see a complete clearout of players who are either too old, aren’t up to the required standard, aren’t performing as they are capable or lack the mentality to turn our fortunes around. However, financially, how do you replace half a squad in one close season.
Instead, here’s my tip to the new coach. Build a team around the players who have respect for the club. There are a number of young players who should form the nucleus of a new era. The likes of Dacey, Patch, Navidi, Turnbull and Macauley Cook have already demonstrated the necessary grit and leadership to turn the club around, however they will need help. Bring in experienced players, to whom, playing for Cardiff means everything. Change the attitude and you can change the results.
We must stop rewarding mediocrity and refuse to accept that this is any other than wholly unacceptable.
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
StumbleuponSomething is very, very wrong
Discussion started by theArmsPark.co.uk , 15/04/2015 18:32
theArmsPark.co.uk
15/04/2015 18:32
15/04/2015 18:32
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
The rot goes a long while back. DD may have made positive changes BUT the core issues remain:
Lack of Cash. The SdR rears its ugly head again. How right Call 2 Arms were!
The Regional baggage that is holding Cardiff back. We DONATE players to Pontypridd players that work against the success of out semi pro side. WHY?
Players with egos.Player power is rumoured to have had a big impact on the Hammers departure.
Poor recrutment with some of the board having too much impact. Their role concerns the budget for recruitment not the players. The coach must have a free hand within the budget.
We need a major culture change. If it is not too late.
Lack of Cash. The SdR rears its ugly head again. How right Call 2 Arms were!
The Regional baggage that is holding Cardiff back. We DONATE players to Pontypridd players that work against the success of out semi pro side. WHY?
Players with egos.Player power is rumoured to have had a big impact on the Hammers departure.
Poor recrutment with some of the board having too much impact. Their role concerns the budget for recruitment not the players. The coach must have a free hand within the budget.
We need a major culture change. If it is not too late.
One major factor you havent mentioned is the circumstances in which Hammett entered the arena.
Different set of coaches running things over the summer. Then he belatedly arrives in August and sets to changing things, including trying to offload certain players. Its as if we were having a second preseason in September/October.
Thats a recipe for chaos.
Which doesnt mean there arent underlying issues. But I think that set of circumstances brought them to the surface.
Another factor is that a big chunk of the squad simply isnt very good. Mostly the players we've accumulated on the cheap from the welsh premiership.
We need a big clearout. Then promote from the academy and make 3-4 good signings in the front five. Not stars but guys who can do a job.
And we absolutely positively have to get the coaching appointment right this time.
Different set of coaches running things over the summer. Then he belatedly arrives in August and sets to changing things, including trying to offload certain players. Its as if we were having a second preseason in September/October.
Thats a recipe for chaos.
Which doesnt mean there arent underlying issues. But I think that set of circumstances brought them to the surface.
Another factor is that a big chunk of the squad simply isnt very good. Mostly the players we've accumulated on the cheap from the welsh premiership.
We need a big clearout. Then promote from the academy and make 3-4 good signings in the front five. Not stars but guys who can do a job.
And we absolutely positively have to get the coaching appointment right this time.
tel82
15/04/2015 20:35
15/04/2015 20:35
Is a really sad state of affairs at the moment, its going to take quite a bit to get over this season!, not sure if I could feel positive even if I could see some light at the end of the tunnel as this is exactly the same position we were in last year.
Looking at the blues it this year it almost seems like it has just become a job to the players, just turn up go through the motions, go home. How many times this season have we heard the words "put pride back In the jersey"hoñestlly if you cant get up for playing for your club/region, dont bother becouse you are wasting EVERYBODY'S time.
agree completlly that we need to start to mold the team around the enthusiastic talanted players that we have( and are going to have coming through)
lets get someone in to steer the ship and let them have control, let them make the key decision, but let the buck stop with them, so we dont have this, its the board, its player power, its the coaches@#$%&we have had to put up with all year
I meen the cardiff blues is a great region but we have definitely lost our way, I think we need to brutally honest and say we are not the team we were, we are not as good as we think we should be, but lets use this season as a starting block and lets build for the future and who knows what might happen!
Looking at the blues it this year it almost seems like it has just become a job to the players, just turn up go through the motions, go home. How many times this season have we heard the words "put pride back In the jersey"hoñestlly if you cant get up for playing for your club/region, dont bother becouse you are wasting EVERYBODY'S time.
agree completlly that we need to start to mold the team around the enthusiastic talanted players that we have( and are going to have coming through)
lets get someone in to steer the ship and let them have control, let them make the key decision, but let the buck stop with them, so we dont have this, its the board, its player power, its the coaches@#$%&we have had to put up with all year
I meen the cardiff blues is a great region but we have definitely lost our way, I think we need to brutally honest and say we are not the team we were, we are not as good as we think we should be, but lets use this season as a starting block and lets build for the future and who knows what might happen!
I was willing to give Hammett time, because he talked the talk, and in his previous role has walked the walk about building a culture.
He should have been brought in earlier with free reign to hire and fire his coaches.
He should have been given the chance to judge the team this year, then get rid of ANYONE who didn't approve of the culture he was building.
He should have had full backing from the board on all decisions.
That is the only way things will be turned around. But once again we have wasted another year and someone new will have to come around and try to avoid repeating the history of the last few years since Dia Young left.
Losing Young has had a bigger impact on the club than I would have ever expected. Not just because of his coaching ability, but because he had the full backing of the board/PT.
He should have been brought in earlier with free reign to hire and fire his coaches.
He should have been given the chance to judge the team this year, then get rid of ANYONE who didn't approve of the culture he was building.
He should have had full backing from the board on all decisions.
That is the only way things will be turned around. But once again we have wasted another year and someone new will have to come around and try to avoid repeating the history of the last few years since Dia Young left.
Losing Young has had a bigger impact on the club than I would have ever expected. Not just because of his coaching ability, but because he had the full backing of the board/PT.
Not sure 606 - genuinely not sure. I remember when Hammett was first announced that we had a Wellington Hurricanes fan came on here offering his sympathy and saying he'd been dreadful for them. Well the Canes are a totally different team this year and are top of the Super XV at the moment with 7 wins from 7 (whereas they were pretty hopeless for a few years prior to this season). As far as I know the main difference is Hammer is no longer there. Co-incidence perhaps but seeing as we got shot of him so quickly at this stage it looks like he'd not have been the right man whenever he was brought in
I wrongly affixed my views to he wrong thread, however I do believe that the new D.O.R. should deffinately start no later than early July; should be given a totally free reign within the budget with absolutely NO interference from the board; should run the rule over the squad and eject the deadwood with no exceptions but keeping players like Davidi, Cook and Turnbull; sign on full contracts young talent like Dillon Lewis and Garyn Smith etc because we dont want to lose any more young talent and in several years moan like the case of Rhys Gill; keep hold of Patchell and Ellis Jenkins; build next seasons squad around these with a few NWQ's. Now all this might sound easy, but its wont be. But we might just might win a few more games than this year and then perhaps a few more tthe year year after; cos patient squad building will take time. A.T.T.R. is right when he says we need a culture change, but it is possible if there is no interference from the board. One thing must be no pathetic performances like we've seen in the last several seasons.
Zenit St PeterPies
16/04/2015 13:01
16/04/2015 13:01
From what I have heard Hammett upset the applecart within the first week of him being here. It was case of how much upset he would cause before he got the boot. The signings that were made at the start of the season really put a feel good factor of that we were going places this season but its crashed and burned big time. Where do we go from here? Has Peter Thomas run his course as chairman? How many players are likley to be retained if it were the fans choice not many after this seasons disaster I should imagine?
Starts at the top and trickles down. All those involved up there should hang their heads in shame for letting the region go to pot.
cardifflose
16/04/2015 14:43
16/04/2015 14:43
If people want to PT to leave we need to:
a) Find someone to buy his shares
b) Pay back his loans
c) be willing to p*ss money up against a wall as no return in rugby
and finally
d) Take over a complete mess
i bet they are all forming and orderly lineas we speak
a) Find someone to buy his shares
b) Pay back his loans
c) be willing to p*ss money up against a wall as no return in rugby
and finally
d) Take over a complete mess
i bet they are all forming and orderly lineas we speak
It hurts me to say it but we're an absolute joke of a region. Apart from a couple of seasons under Dai Young regional rugby has been a car crash in Cardiff. One thing i was sure that Hammett would bring in was passion in the Jersey but sadly it was the same old same old. How they expect fans to pay £20 odd pound a ticket is laughable. And i feel really sorry for the season ticket holders! It just seems like the Blues always play on auto pilot and there's no spark or soul in the region, On and off the pitch. Having grown up watching some brilliant Cardiff RFC teams it really is depressing
Quote:cardifflose
If people want to PT to leave we need to:
a) Find someone to buy his shares
b) Pay back his loans
c) be willing to p*ss money up against a wall as no return in rugby
and finally
d) Take over a complete mess
i bet they are all forming and orderly lineas we speak
How old is PT now? Can you imagine him going on much longer or wanting to be involved? What happens then?
I'm not calling for his head but if a business isn't working it normally starts up top. If it's not his fault then it's those he's employed.
Someone has to take responsibility for this mess. Since 2011 we've had 6 coaches. If the you were going for a managers position at an organisation who'd had that many managers pushed/shoved in that space of time, you'd be either desperate or stupid if you took on that role.
cardiffsteve is right. The circumstances surrounding Hammer's arrival have brought things to a head.
Cardifflose is right about Thomas's cash.
BUT Thomas must be held responsible for the car crash that is the board of Cadiff RFC Ltd.
Many sgnings have been PT's choice rather than the coach's picks. That is not acceptable.
The SdR debacle was completely down to Thomas and his non rugby ambitions. Even If Doull was the architect of the lease agreement, it was done at PT's bidding.
The players and coaches have in great parts been simply not acceptable.
No one area is the whole cause of the problem. That is why the whole mess needs sorting.
Cardifflose is right about Thomas's cash.
BUT Thomas must be held responsible for the car crash that is the board of Cadiff RFC Ltd.
Many sgnings have been PT's choice rather than the coach's picks. That is not acceptable.
The SdR debacle was completely down to Thomas and his non rugby ambitions. Even If Doull was the architect of the lease agreement, it was done at PT's bidding.
The players and coaches have in great parts been simply not acceptable.
No one area is the whole cause of the problem. That is why the whole mess needs sorting.
Quote:bloogoo
Since 2011 we've had 6 coaches. If the you were going for a managers position at an organisation who'd had that many managers pushed/shoved in that space of time, you'd be either desperate or stupid if you took on that role.
Thats overegging it. I know you're getting at but there have been TWO fulltime head coaches appointed since Dai Young. With caretaker appointments inbetween - which is normal.
The main thing to take from that is that on both occasions the board messed up the coaching appointment.
Quote:cardiff_steveQuote:bloogoo
Since 2011 we've had 6 coaches. If the you were going for a managers position at an organisation who'd had that many managers pushed/shoved in that space of time, you'd be either desperate or stupid if you took on that role.
Thats overegging it. I know you're getting at but there have been TWO fulltime head coaches appointed since Dai Young. With caretaker appointments inbetween - which is normal.
The main thing to take from that is that on both occasions the board messed up the coaching appointment.
Not at all. Both head coaches have been failures. Who appoints them? It took all of 20 seconds (Google) to find out Hammer wasn't that good a coach and we all know about Tulip. We've had spin about the Club House having a massive investment into a revamp, which turned into some paint and vinyl graphics. Re naming of CAP with money from that supposedly put back into the region. But, once again the season is dead and buried before 2015.
No doubt we'll have more spin from Holland pre 2015/16 season with, again more losses against teams we should be turning over.
cardifflose
17/04/2015 11:57
17/04/2015 11:57
Goo have you ever actually spoken to Holland? spin is one thing he does not do, seriously email him tell him your concerns, how many other clubs top dogs would get back to you and or even meet you
Of course he does. He's taken us from the CCS back to CAP, which everyone wanted. Apart from that, he's not done much IMO. It was bad before he got on board so the slightest improvement will impress some.
Cardifflose
17/04/2015 13:24
17/04/2015 13:24
I take it by you saying "slightest improvement" you have no understanding or idea of our financial situation pre and post his appointment?
Cardifflose
17/04/2015 13:26
17/04/2015 13:26
Also you skipped the question of whether or not you have spoken to him? If not you should
First off I'm not going to comment on why we are the mess we are as that's obvious to everyone and is a thesis size in length.
So how do we get better? Well I don't think that's too hard.
First of all you must get an acceptance of where you are at I.e. At the bottom and not good enough. That has to be accepted by everyone from top of the region to the fans and then the vision or the desired result has to be communicated to the players and fans. The fans must be given a clear timeline on expectations rather than the current hyperbole around every signing and match. So once you accept where you are and where you want to go you need to begin building that journey.
There are some simple steps that transfer to most sports. First become tougher to beat I.e. Don't run before you can crawl (unlike this season where we have tried to be progressive but conceded more tries than everyone else. Improve the defense, the set piece and the fitness. This is precisely what Edwards and gatland did when they first arrived and it's what every premiership football manager who had success does.
Second - develop a fortress mentality at home. You do everything you can to fill the ground and you ensure that those who turn up have a good experience with cheaper beer, cheaper and better food and with the stars on show. Warburton, cuthbert etc must play home games rather than at Leinster etc.
thirdly you add tough, eager overseas players who have something to prove to your squad - ideally in the forwards. Tito, fillse and molitika are examples of this type of player.
Fourth - work with the academy to produce players in the desired positions as opposed to countless open side flankers.
Fifth - build the blues image and make it aspiration all for young people to be part of. Ensure that all pro players are assigned a junior club and that as part of their contract they must attend a urn training session there every week rather than once a season to presentation night.
Sixth - never ever take the fans for granted. Don't patronise them, don't promise what you can't deliver and don't ignore your heritage.
So how do we get better? Well I don't think that's too hard.
First of all you must get an acceptance of where you are at I.e. At the bottom and not good enough. That has to be accepted by everyone from top of the region to the fans and then the vision or the desired result has to be communicated to the players and fans. The fans must be given a clear timeline on expectations rather than the current hyperbole around every signing and match. So once you accept where you are and where you want to go you need to begin building that journey.
There are some simple steps that transfer to most sports. First become tougher to beat I.e. Don't run before you can crawl (unlike this season where we have tried to be progressive but conceded more tries than everyone else. Improve the defense, the set piece and the fitness. This is precisely what Edwards and gatland did when they first arrived and it's what every premiership football manager who had success does.
Second - develop a fortress mentality at home. You do everything you can to fill the ground and you ensure that those who turn up have a good experience with cheaper beer, cheaper and better food and with the stars on show. Warburton, cuthbert etc must play home games rather than at Leinster etc.
thirdly you add tough, eager overseas players who have something to prove to your squad - ideally in the forwards. Tito, fillse and molitika are examples of this type of player.
Fourth - work with the academy to produce players in the desired positions as opposed to countless open side flankers.
Fifth - build the blues image and make it aspiration all for young people to be part of. Ensure that all pro players are assigned a junior club and that as part of their contract they must attend a urn training session there every week rather than once a season to presentation night.
Sixth - never ever take the fans for granted. Don't patronise them, don't promise what you can't deliver and don't ignore your heritage.
Bluesboy65
17/04/2015 17:27
17/04/2015 17:27
I didn't hink in your current role Gareth 'nice hair' Davies that you were allowed to roadmap the way to success - now I know you used a pseudonym but really!!
The Blue Baron
17/04/2015 19:25
17/04/2015 19:25
Quote:Rayerker
First off I'm not going to comment on why we are the mess we are as that's obvious to everyone and is a thesis size in length.
So how do we get better? Well I don't think that's too hard.
First of all you must get an acceptance of where you are at I.e. At the bottom and not good enough. That has to be accepted by everyone from top of the region to the fans and then the vision or the desired result has to be communicated to the players and fans. The fans must be given a clear timeline on expectations rather than the current hyperbole around every signing and match. So once you accept where you are and where you want to go you need to begin building that journey.
There are some simple steps that transfer to most sports. First become tougher to beat I.e. Don't run before you can crawl (unlike this season where we have tried to be progressive but conceded more tries than everyone else. Improve the defense, the set piece and the fitness. This is precisely what Edwards and gatland did when they first arrived and it's what every premiership football manager who had success does.
Second - develop a fortress mentality at home. You do everything you can to fill the ground and you ensure that those who turn up have a good experience with cheaper beer, cheaper and better food and with the stars on show. Warburton, cuthbert etc must play home games rather than at Leinster etc.
thirdly you add tough, eager overseas players who have something to prove to your squad - ideally in the forwards. Tito, fillse and molitika are examples of this type of player.
Fourth - work with the academy to produce players in the desired positions as opposed to countless open side flankers.
Fifth - build the blues image and make it aspiration all for young people to be part of. Ensure that all pro players are assigned a junior club and that as part of their contract they must attend a urn training session there every week rather than once a season to presentation night.
Sixth - never ever take the fans for granted. Don't patronise them, don't promise what you can't deliver and don't ignore your heritage.
It really is that easy, alas the on and off management are in too deep to get out.
The region is doomed!
Quote:cardifflose
Goo have you ever actually spoken to Holland? spin is one thing he does not do, seriously email him tell him your concerns, how many other clubs top dogs would get back to you and or even meet you
The man who told at least three shareholders that he was not accountable to them?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:04:18:10:59:34 by ATTR.
Quote:Rayerker
Sixth - never ever take the fans for granted. Don't patronise them, don't promise what you can't deliver and don't ignore your heritage.
Amen!
Cardifflose
18/04/2015 12:09
18/04/2015 12:09
Straight question ATTR, in you opinion do you think he has done a good job at what he was brought in to do?
People can try to blame coaches, players or the WRU but the clubs sustained period of failure and decline can only be attributed to the Board. In a public company, shareholders would force changes in both board and management. Problem is that the club is a private company where the major shareholders all sit on the board.
To make matters worse there is a split on the board between the CAC who own just under 40% including the heritage shares (25%)and the other major holders who in the shape of Thomas, Bailey and Smart control over 60%. (If these numbers are out of date or simply wrong I'd welcome correction).
The CAC control the ground through the heritage shares but have no money and little influence. Thomas, Bailey and Smart supposedly have money and are all property developers. The CAP is one of the most valuable property sites in Wales and an obvious development opportunity for them if they can unlock it's value. In the meantime no new capital can be raised because of the need to maintain the heritage shares at 25% of the total equity base.
What we have is a recipe for total inertia. The shareholders with the money can only support the clubs financial needs by loans or bank guarantees. They are presumably happy to do so even at a cost to themselves because their cash is underwritten by the CAP freehold and its potential.
I do not question the commitment of the directors or shareholders but they have made major error after major error over the years and have failed. However in the scenario which I have described the playing fortunes of the club are a secondary issue. The personal interests of the non CAC shareholders are served as much by keeping the property development issue alive as by spending to gain success on the field.
I'm not holding my breath for next season.
To make matters worse there is a split on the board between the CAC who own just under 40% including the heritage shares (25%)and the other major holders who in the shape of Thomas, Bailey and Smart control over 60%. (If these numbers are out of date or simply wrong I'd welcome correction).
The CAC control the ground through the heritage shares but have no money and little influence. Thomas, Bailey and Smart supposedly have money and are all property developers. The CAP is one of the most valuable property sites in Wales and an obvious development opportunity for them if they can unlock it's value. In the meantime no new capital can be raised because of the need to maintain the heritage shares at 25% of the total equity base.
What we have is a recipe for total inertia. The shareholders with the money can only support the clubs financial needs by loans or bank guarantees. They are presumably happy to do so even at a cost to themselves because their cash is underwritten by the CAP freehold and its potential.
I do not question the commitment of the directors or shareholders but they have made major error after major error over the years and have failed. However in the scenario which I have described the playing fortunes of the club are a secondary issue. The personal interests of the non CAC shareholders are served as much by keeping the property development issue alive as by spending to gain success on the field.
I'm not holding my breath for next season.
Quote:Cardifflose
Straight question ATTR, in you opinion do you think he has done a good job at what he was brought in to do?
Yes I think he has. However, a CEO who believes he is not answerable to shareholders is a little, shall I say deluded.
He's got a long way to go. A little more humility and he needs to listen more. But probably PT's best signing.
tb17
18/04/2015 23:01
18/04/2015 23:01
I actually disagree.
Fundamentally, blues have lost out in the number of stars moving away and retiring. On the budget the Blues have there will be ups and downs and this has been an unfortunately long down. We have recruited too old and poorly, off casts from the Scarlets for example, including Lou Reed, Matthew Rees, Gavin Evans for example. We have also been incredibly unfortunate with the injury of Owen Williams and others. I do however see a great spine to the team emerging. I really rate Kristian Dacey and Tomos Davies is looking very promising, Ellis Jenkins, Warburton, Turnball, Navidi, Vosawai on the benches a potential to be a formidable back row if we could construct a team on the front foot. Lloyd Williams has improved markedly this seasonn and Cory Allen has quality. Patches and Gareth Anscombe are both interchangeable full backs fly half and both with serious potential. Scully is an exciting signing. I personally wouldn't include Cuthbert in my list.
If we can get the front five right, Blues can do well. I think more than anything Blues suffer from belief and also have to many players who are found out in one on one tackling. We also do not have a kick strategy or a kick chase strategy which is such a shame considering we have a tall back line, and frequently dont put ourselves in good positions. We are also awful at hitting good lines and getting across the gain line. The other real problem we seem to have is working in pods.
So do I look to the future with promise? Yes I do, there needs to be a learning curve but I honestly believe the future of the Blues is pretty bright. I just hope we develop our basic game so we have something to fall back on when things aren't going our way and there is no reason why Blues cannot challenge in the latter stages of the Champions Cup in a few years.
In my opinion.
Tom
Fundamentally, blues have lost out in the number of stars moving away and retiring. On the budget the Blues have there will be ups and downs and this has been an unfortunately long down. We have recruited too old and poorly, off casts from the Scarlets for example, including Lou Reed, Matthew Rees, Gavin Evans for example. We have also been incredibly unfortunate with the injury of Owen Williams and others. I do however see a great spine to the team emerging. I really rate Kristian Dacey and Tomos Davies is looking very promising, Ellis Jenkins, Warburton, Turnball, Navidi, Vosawai on the benches a potential to be a formidable back row if we could construct a team on the front foot. Lloyd Williams has improved markedly this seasonn and Cory Allen has quality. Patches and Gareth Anscombe are both interchangeable full backs fly half and both with serious potential. Scully is an exciting signing. I personally wouldn't include Cuthbert in my list.
If we can get the front five right, Blues can do well. I think more than anything Blues suffer from belief and also have to many players who are found out in one on one tackling. We also do not have a kick strategy or a kick chase strategy which is such a shame considering we have a tall back line, and frequently dont put ourselves in good positions. We are also awful at hitting good lines and getting across the gain line. The other real problem we seem to have is working in pods.
So do I look to the future with promise? Yes I do, there needs to be a learning curve but I honestly believe the future of the Blues is pretty bright. I just hope we develop our basic game so we have something to fall back on when things aren't going our way and there is no reason why Blues cannot challenge in the latter stages of the Champions Cup in a few years.
In my opinion.
Tom
tb17
18/04/2015 23:11
18/04/2015 23:11
Terrible predictive text! it should be 'not working in pods'
Tom
Tom
Tb17, Apart from Warburton (who rarely seems to switch on in a Cardiff shirt) we have no one who would ever get selected for a Champions Cup winning team. Our 'good' young players are miles off ever getting there. Some decent performers granted but 'decent' doesn't do it anymore. You need a team of seasoned and successful internationals to succeed in Europe. We won't pay either to recruit or retain such players.
It's the Challenge Cup for us I'm afraid.
It's the Challenge Cup for us I'm afraid.
tb17
19/04/2015 00:44
19/04/2015 00:44
I was not clear sorry, by the latter stages I meant competing in the quarter finals. I agree they may seem miles off, all you would need is a few stars to ignite that group of players. I honestly believe there have been some really good things and some really bad things this season. Game management and players up not up to that level would be my diagnosis. All the players I mentioned I truly believe would look much better players in top clubs. The recent why Warburton does not seem to perform is because it is so much harder on the back foot. I believe if we sort out are basics and recruit well those margins could turn the spine of our team in to something a lot better.
Tom
Tom
