Pressure to Perform
Leigh Halfpenny returns
By Andrew Collins
September 20 2013
Perhaps for the first time in a long time, Blues players may feel the weight of expectation tonight as they take on Italian club Zebre...
Last season, fans were exceptionally sympathetic to the young Blues squad and its new coaching staff. There were big changes in nearly all facets, with a vast number of long-serving players leaving and a real emphasis on blooding young players. Fans vociferously backed the baby Blues despite some disappointing home losses, and there was a sense of understanding and encouragement that this was in the name of progress.
However, last season has gone, and we entered this year’s campaign with renewed optimism. Despite just 2 real quality signings being made, and indeed losing another host of experienced players, the squad looked much stronger with new idols and heroes in the form of Patchell, Owen Williams, Harry Robinson and others who were previously unknown. Plus, the new pitch promised a more expansive, attractive and try-scoring brand of rugby.
And, to be fair, it’s been a case of so far, so good with 2 games done. 5 points from a possible 10 marks a good return from a tricky away trip to Glasgow and a home game against a resolute Connacht side, but in neither of those games did the Blues score, indeed, have hardly come close. This wouldn’t normally be a big worry for any side, but last year Cardiff scored just 28 tries – the lowest in the league – and fans were assured that this particular problem would be addressed.
So tonight, against what’s fair to call the weakest side in the league, fans will be expecting more than just a win. The conditions for the past two days have been fine, and should ensure a less slippery surface than against Connacht. Add to that the very strong back line, which now includes Lion’s top try scorer Alex Cuthbert and Man of the Series Leigh Halfpenny, and we have every right to expect to put Zebre to the sword.
Of course you need to be realistic, but if the Blues are making serious strides forward and have aspirations to make the play offs, they must look to get all 5 points tonight.
It will be interesting to see how the still young Blues cope under new expectations.
Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Owen Williams, Dafydd Hewitt, Chris Czekaj; Rhys Patchell, Lewis Jones; Taufa'ao Filise, Marc Breeze, Scott Andrews, Lou Reed, Filo Paulo, Macauley Cook, Josh Navidi, Andries Pretorius (capt).
Matthew Rees, Sam Hobbs, Benoit Bourrust, James Down, Robin Copeland, Lloyd Williams, Gareth Davies, Cory Allen.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Also, if you put your post-match comments here, I'll be using your feedback and opinions to write the articles from now on.
Frankly, there's no point me re-writing a match review 2 days after you've already read it on BBC, CardiffBlues.com and WalesOnline, so the emphasis in the match reports from now on will be a bit of tachnical analysis and your post match opinions rather than documenting who scored etc.
I hope you like this idea, I just think it makes the site a bit more unique, and more interactive for you loyal posters! Let me know if you have any ideas for the site or if you'd like to get involved somehow.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
Of course the ref can always ruin a great game of rugby
but hopefully we will all be smiling tomorrow.Quote:ATTR
Perhaps the pressure was too great.
You really enjoy it when the team lose don't you?
The side did not perform, as you acknowledged in the other thread. Why was that? Perhaps it was the pressure. Perhaps not.
Quote:cardiffblues1Quote:ATTR
Perhaps the pressure was too great.
You really enjoy it when the team lose don't you?
Perhaps he just enjoys venting when the team lose?
This is probably one of those occasions when people need to vent.
So do I.
I think its going to pretty difficult for anyone to defend that result. Especially if Phil Davies is right and we had 60% possession and territory.
Some people will probably say its better to keep supporting coach and players through bad patches but I dont agree. People pay their money and that gives them the right to complain in my opinion.
Vent away folks.
Quote:cardiffsteve
Of course you care.
So do I.
I think its going to pretty difficult for anyone to defend that result. Especially if Phil Davies is right and we had 60% possession and territory.
Some people will probably say its better to keep supporting coach and players through bad patches but I dont agree. People pay their money and that gives them the right to complain in my opinion.
Vent away folks.
What really annoys me is a supporter blaming the ref even though his only point is not true. He then lies about what I have posted. Some people get the team they deserve!
OF course you defend your players / coaches, for so long. When it gets worse and worse and Davies trots out the same old excuses and rubbish it is unacceptable.
Quote:exblues fan
hi all what a good game I don't think rubbish team rubbish coach rotten team that's it for me now more this has been going on for years same old excuses at boils down to the fact theses very little talent at the blues so am going to save my money and just watch the rubbish on the box bye bye blues crap.
Feel your pain.
Now thats what i call venting.
Phil Davies for Wales coach after 2015 World Cup. Keep up the good work Phil Davies
Plenty of positives eh Phil?
I'm close to giving up with this shower of s***e.
I think our strongest XV will get a few decent results for us. One issue is the lack of game time together e.g. when Sam and Gethin are fit before we know it they will be back with the Wales squad!
Quote:Joni89
...I did expect that the team that was selected would have achieved a bonus point win against Zebre...
Be positive. We DID get a bonus point!
