By Andrew Collins
December 30 2005

The Blues secured their 2nd win over Welsh regions in 6 days with a 6 try demolition of closest rivals, the Newport Gwent Dragons.

Rhys Williams (capt) 8; Craig Morgan 8, Jamie Robinson 8, Tristan Davies 7, Jonah Lomu 8; Nick Robinson 9, Ryan Powell 7; Gethin Jenkins 8, Rhys Thomas 7, Martin Jones 8, Craig Quinnell 8, Robert Sidoli 9, Andy Powell 9, Robin Sowden-Taylor 8, Xavier Rush 9.

Goodfield 7 (R. Thomas 71), M. Williams 7 (A. Powell 68), Phillips 7 (R. Powell 58), Warren 7 (N. Robinson 71).

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Once again, the expectant supporters were subject to an appalling start as the Dragons scored within 19 second of the kick off. Ceri Sweeney’s kick off was dropped by Tristan Davies, and gathered by the forwards. However it was Gareth Coopers quick thinking and awareness to realize his 2 opposite players were forwards that made the try. He took the long way around Martin Jones, with Craig Quinnell being drawn to his man too early; Craig Morgan had to come across from his wing to take out the Lion tourist, whose floated pass to Nathan Brew was enough for the visitors to take a 5 point lead.

Cardiff re-gathered themselves with Nicky Robinson enjoying the next 10 point haul. Starting with a well taken penalty attempt, he scored and converted an excellent solo try. Robinson chipped over the rush defense then beat Kevin Morgan to the ball, grubber kicking his way over the line, and though the were doubts over whether he touched down or not, there were none over the fact he deserved it.

The Dragons stayed in touch with a penalty of their own short after, to make it 10-8 but any comeback was short-lived as Craig Morgan galloped over following an un-seen forward pass from Quinnell. Robinson, who went on to have a torrid time from the boot, missed the conversion, in fact his own was the only 2 point bonus he got from the 6 attempts. Robinson made up for the conversion miss with a successful penalty just after.

Tristan Davies was then sin-binned after making a tackle within 10 meters, which Sweeney made the most of grabbing, 3 points for his side. However the Dragons were also brought to 14 men, after lazy runner David Maddocks clattered into Ryan Powell. Nicky added a penalty of his own.

Though Nicky was suffering with his penalty and conversion attempts, his out of hand kicking was tactically spot on. Instead of kicking to anywhere, he was able to find holes in the defense and pin their three quarters back.

And it was his kick that set up the Blues 3rd try. A boot into the left hand side of the 22 found plenty of space with semi-professional winger Gareth Chapman the only tracking back defender. He gathered, but probably wished he hadn't, as the home fans were treated to a crunching Jonah Lomu tackle. He then got to his feet and stole the ball which led to an offside decision. Nick Robinson too a quick tap penalty and passed to Ryan Powell, still with work to do, the fiery scrum half squeezed in the left corner.

Half Time

Cardiff Blues 26 N-G Dragons 11

Shortly after half time, it was announced that there was a new Celtic league record attendance set, beating it's predecessor by 156, set just 24 hours ago! And the record crowd, 12,436, were treated to exactly what they came for just a minute into the second half.

The Blues regained possession from the kick-off, spread the ball well through the backs, until it came to Martin Jones, who put in a superb long floated pass to monster winger, Jonah Lomu. The All Black dived through Chapman’s desperate tackle to score his first try in Blues colours and in fact, his first in 3 years! It was met with a roar unheard at the Arms Park for many a year. The atmosphere was already buoyant, with the local derby of old Cardiff v Newport matches seeming to come through. The crowd were viewing great rugby from both teams, and both sets of fans applauded the try from the man who represents a fight against all odds.

On another important level, the score was vital as it meant the home side gathered their bonus point, and were well on course for a 5 pointer, and the Blues hadn't stopped just yet.

Hooker Rhys Thomas crossed after making an intelligent blind-side run following a period of sustained pressure on the Dragons line.

However what followed will worry Dai, as the Blues lost concentration just for 10 minutes, but Newport-Gwent showed their character, scoring 2 tries in a short time.

Firstly, substitute prop, also Rhys Thomas, crossed from short range, then centre Jonny Bryant, who had a short spell with the Blues last season, celebrated his return with a well taken try. But Nick Robinson will not enjoy looking back at it, his very weak tackle let the former Ponty boy walked right through to get a converted score under the posts.

The visitors were looking likely to get a 4th try, and vital bonus point, but any ideas comeback were put to bed when return-to-form captain Rhys Williams scored. His try was created by the massive Kiwi showing another side to his game, slipping Williams a superb one handed offload while being tackled.

To cap the Dragons night, Sweeney was binned for tackling Mike Phillips about a meter into his untouchable 10.

Final Score

Cardiff Blues 41 N-G Dragons 23

It was another excellent performance for Cardiff, who dare I say may've at very long last turned that corner. You can't help but feel ecstatic for Dai Young, whose taken massive amounts of stick in the last 3 years but now looks set to lead a new era of Cardiff dominance.

It means the capital are on a 4 game winning streak, including 2 away wins over Calvasano and The Ospreys. Mondays match with the Scarlets will prove yet another challenge, and may be one game too many for Cardiff, but to come away from Strady with a bonus point would still be an ok result.

Expectancy is up, and the Blues are now favorites going into games, with people even backing them over the Scarlets despite being away.

One thing is for sure, if they have really completed the U-turn, this must not be another flash-in-the-pan set of results like the Llanelli (H), Glasgow (A), and Saracens (H) run earlier in the year. They've got to make the Arms Park a caldron, a place where teams don't leave with points, and then from that they can build on their away form.

After the match, Jonah Lomu reflected on his try saying,

“I didn't know whether to put the ball down for the try! It's been a hard road for me, but I'm just grateful to my wife, my friends, the Blues and the Welsh crowd.”

No matter what happens on Monday, Cardiff fans have at very least been given some long overdue bragging rights against Welsh opposition. Fans no longer have to suffer going to work on Monday, and can seek revenge on opposing colleagues. Its been a great festive period for fans, and they'll be hoping they can carry this into 2006 as they seek silverware in the Celtic League and the Heineken Cup.

ArmsPark.tk Man of The Match - Nicky Robinson
A very touch choice, numerous outstanding performances, particularly Andy Powell, Xavier Rush and Sidoli, but the whole team were excellent. Nicky bossed the game with his top notch tactical kicking, but also with his superb running and passes. Is looking like a complete fly half again, it's just a shame his performances aren't consistent. He also needs to work on his kicking, though in fairness the conversions were all from wide positions.