The Season IS Ending Too Soon!
Paul John - backs coach
By Andrew Collins
April 24 2014
Less than a month ago I wrote, "Fans and players alike can’t wait to see the end of the 2013/14 season." I've never been so happy to be completely and utterly wrong!...
Three notable scalps in successive weeks is a great run for any side, but after the season from Hell for the Cardiff Blues, this has been remarkable.
The turnaround in both performance and results has been absolutely astonishing under the Ponty pair, and comparing every asset of our play the improvements in their 4 weeks in charge have been staggering.
Just to put this into perspective, the second loss to Zebre in a season - Phil Davies' last game in charge - was just 5 games ago. Since then, a woeful, embarrassing loss to Ospreys appears to have been a real turning point, with John and Chief inspiring exactly the same group of players to back-to-back wins against Ulster at the Arms Park, Edinburgh in Scotland and Europe-chasing Scarlets at the Millennium Stadium.
It has propelled us to the giddy heights of 7th in the Pro 12, and technically (although very unlikely) we are competing for that final European spot.
What is extremely frustrating however, is that had we won those 2 matches against Zebre, we would be just 1 point away from that qualification spot.
But of course hindsight is a wonderful thing, and in truth the loss to Zebre was probably needed in order to force the board's hand and begin a sizeable shakeup and recruitment drive.
I also think that a season in the second tier of Europe is probably not a bad thing. Along with the end of season improvements, there are genuinely exciting and sensible signings being made by the Directors.
Jarred Hoeata has already been announced to replace Bradley Davies, and may even take the club captaincy a la Xavier Rush all those years ago, joining Josh Turnbull, Tavis Knoyle, Craig Mitchell, Ieuan Jones, Manoa Vosawai and George Watkins as the already confirmed arrivals.
What is clear, looking at the names above, is that the board have actually done their homework looking at the team and have targeted our areas of weakness. Craig Mitchell will add real strength to our front row, where we have historically struggled, while Tavis Knoyle will presumably be battling Lewis Jones for the number 9 shirt in what could become a fascinating inter-team rivalry and hopeful bring the best out if both players. Elsewhere, I'm very excited to see George Watkins, a player who comes with a great record from Bristol. Our wings have looked quite stale this year, with the obvious exception of the incredible Alex Cuthbert, and Watkins has all the attributes to become a real attacking threat for us.
But while we are all getting excited about the potential of next season's squad and a new Kiwi Director of Rugby, Paul John and Dale McIntosh have well and truly proven their worth. Whichever New Zealander gets the job, I think the Blues must ensure they are happy to work with the current pairing.
If the new guy decides to bring his own staff in with him, I think they'd be playing a dangerous game - just look at David Moyes' ill-fated time at Manchester United and how he wanted a 'fresh start' in terms of his coaching team.
The work which Chief and Johnsy have put in over the past month has paid dividends and, contrary to my opening statement from after the Ospreys game in March, now fans and players alike are getting excited about next season. Lose those two, and you risk losing all the progress too.
On a separate note, many thanks to CardiffSteve for keeping the site live since my last article. Thanks from everyone who used this board fella!
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Be surprised if DM and PJ arent with us next season.
Our defence has been abysmal this season, at one point we were the worst deface in the league, leaking more points than Zebre and Trevio by almost 100!
I would agree that DM and PJ are making a difference in what was a dire situation. Psychologically they had a big challenge on their hands as there was a bit of 'nothing to play for' mentality.
I think PJ especially has added an edge to the attack and we've even run a couple of good moves. We certainly look a little bit more organised in defence.
I will have to point out that our change of fortunes have been coupled with a few big names returning to the fray. GJ and CA have been immense and have brought an intensity to the team through leadership and organisation that just hasn't been there since the 6N.
I am excited about next season. I think GW has the potential to be another Copeland signing in terms of an exciting prospect who can step up quite quickly.
A fully fit team would be very decent team. I'd like to see us sign a really decent fullback. Lee Byrne would have been a great signing.