How do you solve a problem like Cardiff Blues?

By cardiffsteve
April 29 2015

Going back a couple of weeks, I admit I held out a little hope that the season could be saved. A late push for 7th place was possible, as was a Challenge Cup run.

Naive maybe. But, if you don't allow yourself a little bit of hope you'd have given up on Cardiff Blues years ago (as no doubt more than a few have).

Now though, we can officially brand 2014/15 as a complete disaster area of a season. It has been a sublime mess. I've seen some catastrophic seasons in my time but this one might actually take the cake.

So, as the season dribbles to a close, you begin to think of 2015/16. And, how to begin climbing out of the hole we've dug for ourselves over the past few years.

There are several off field issues which need to be resolved. Not least the ownership of the Arms Park. But putting those aside, what can be done to hopefully improve things on field?

Heres a list. I begin with what might be considered the bleedin' obvious.

HEAD COACH

They key appointment and this time it needs to be done right. It was good to read Richard Holland stating that they want the new man in by the start of preseason. We cant afford another season of caretaker coaches running the team waiting for the head boy to make an appearance at the end of August. Holland also stated that they're looking for a coach with european experience. Again, I'd agree that this is the way to go. We need someone with experience of the long slog of a european season.

Danny Wilson is the name many people have been suggesting and I'd go along with that. He did exceptionally well with Wales U20 and has experience of league rugby on both sides of the border. Its high time he had a head coach job somewhere and I'd like it to be with us.

DEFENCE COACH

Out of the numerous things to have gone pearshaped on the field this season, the standout issue has to be the defence. We have conceded 55 tries in 20 league games. Nearly an average of three a game. Teams that do that wont win many games.

If theres one individual we should splash cash on, it should be the new defence coach. General manager Bill Millard and the new head coach should be told they've a blank cheque to go out and sign the best man available. Go to rugby league, go to New Zealand, go to the moon. Doesn't matter where, find the best man and pay him what he wants.

My suggestion would be Phil Blake, lately of Leicester. Only Bath and Saracens have conceded fewer tries in England this season. This has been a key part of Leicester reaching 4th in the table despite finding tries of their own hard to come by (other than against us, natch). Blake is leaving as Leicester have shook up their whole coaching team. Its not clear what his plans are but I'd be delighted if we could get him.

SECOND ROWS

Thousands will disagree but for me, second row is the most important position on the pitch. Its called the engine room for a reason. And, its also the position where we've consistently struggled to get things right. Jarred Hoeata is a fine player, but isnt the biggest and in this hemisphere I'd like to see him playing at 6.

By my reckoning, we have 5 non Welsh players contracted for next season. That leaves room for 3 more overseas players (one of which must be a timeserver). I think they should all be second rows.

If we were to make one big name signing, I would love it to be Paul O'Connell (seriously). But they don't need to be stars. They need to be big lumps that can do a job week in week out. Somebody like James Percival, former Worcester captain now out of favour and looking for a move, is the sort of under the radar signing that could give us what we need. Ulsterman Ryan Caldwell is also out of contract with Exeter but has had injury issues.

Thinking about the impact Leone Nakarawa has had at Glasgow, it might also make sense to sign a ball carrying second row. Tevita Cavubati impressed in that role for the Ospreys and might make a good signing. In Super Rugby, Marc Kotze of Queensland is another little known player who could maybe fill that role.

YOUTH

World Cup year, when for the first few weeks of the season everyone is under strength, is a perfect time to promote from the academy. Players like Tomos Williams, Seb Davies, James Sheeky (I could go on) now need to be given their head and be full members of the squad rather than remain on the fringe. In the long run, the team's success will depend on the academy products.

CLEAR OUT

The Cardiff Blues website currently lists 54 squad members. Not including academy players and players who have moved on during the season. Thats far more than most sides and is testament to the fact that recruitment got out of control over the past year or so. With players being signed by 4 different coaches, sometimes with the reasons for the signing a little hazy (with respect to Jevon Groves, I have no idea why he was signed. He's just one example).

With new players coming in and several promotions from the academy, I'd say 20 or so players should move on. The squad needs to be completely reshaped.

There, my 5 point plan. None of it is an automatic pancea. But, if most of it happens I'll look forward to next season with a bit more hope and a bit less terror.