By Andrew Collins
January 14 2006

Following a crucial qualification loss, fans can only begin to wonder what's in store next on this roller coaster of a ride known as the Cardiff Blues.

The Blues scored first in the opening minutes of the match with a Nick Macleod penalty. This was the only time Cardiff would register any points.

All was going well for Cardiff, having been under pressure, the defense seemed on top of things and Perpignan were struggling to find any space. But on the quarter of an hour mark, a weak tackle from Martyn Williams allowed front-row Tincu through. Rhys Williams held back knowing he was out numbered, but after the prop passed to Grandcluad, Rhys' strong tackle wasn't enough to convince the video ref that he was in touch and Perpignan tok a 5-3 lead.

The story of the first half seemed to be Cardiff failing to break any sort of defensive line, and Perpignan looking too comfortable in defense.

Perpignan fluffed a number of chances to extend their lead, with fly half Laharrang missing 2 penalties and his conversion attempt, while at the other end Nick Macleod too missed a chance to  take a point lead.

The Blues came very close to scoring at the end of the first half. Jonah Lomu made a strong charge up the wing and the resulting maul had the French side in chaos. Their defense lost their heads and when space arose on the left, Jamie Robinson made an excellent run through the 22, but knocked on trying to ground the ball, though (from where i was) it looked short anyway.

The score at the half was far too kind on the Blues. Perpignan hadn't taken their chances, and the Blues, though not deserved, were still very much in the game.

Half Time

Cardiff Blues 3 Perpignan 21

After the break, it was one disappointment after another.

Laharrange found his kicking boots, slotting 3 penalty attempts in a row, giving a 14-3 score line for the French side. This seamed to breathe confidence into them as they played like French teams do at home.

The Blues had plenty of possession, but seemed completely unable to do anything with it. Kicking it away seemed the general trend, with Martyn Williams, Roger Warren, Rhys Williams and Mike Phillips all culprits.

Macleod attempted a 40 meter kick as the Blues struggled to find an opening. Despite being straight in front of the posts, with very little to no wind, Nick's attempt was ugly from the moment it left his boot and failed to bring the home side back into the game.

With Cardiff suffering a lack of creatively, Dai brought on the big boys, with Yapp, Duanne Goodfeild and Craig Quinnell all taking to the pitch in search of some sort of spark.

The afternoon was then summed up, as Laharrang chipped from the Blues 22 into the try area. All the blues shirts in there seemed unable to dive on the ball, infact the only shirt which was able to was that of substitute David Marty, as they secured their victory with a final, crushing blow.

The game pittered out pathetically, with the Blues defending for their lives rather than attacking. Even with possession, Roger Warren twice kicked the ball to touch or just up field. A pathetic display summed up by a very poor end.

Full Time

Cardiff Blues 3 Perpignan 21

theArmsPark.co.uk Man of the Match - Xavier Rush
As ever, the big Kiwi battled throughout. Rush is a marked man now, and was wrapped up thoroughly for most of the match, yet he continued to battle hard and was the only real danger man for Cardiff. Elsewhere, Jamie Robinson, Craig Morgan, Marc Stcherbina and Andy Powell showed commitment with real trying displays.

Rhys Williams (capt) 6; Craig Morgan 7, Jamie Robinson 7, Marc Stcherbina 7, Jonah Lomu 6; Nick Macleod 5, Mike Phillips 6; Gethin Jenkins 6, Rhys Thomas 6, Martin Jones 5; Deiniol Jones 5, Robert Sidoli 7; Andy Powell 7, Martyn Williams 6, Xavier Rush 7.

John Yapp, Duane Goodfield, Craig Quinnell, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Ryan Powell, Lee Thomas, Roger Warren.

Look out for 'So...What now?' article coming later this weekend. Also, voice yourself on our message board and get your comments read in the 'Your Rants' early next week.