A Game of Two Halfs

Andy Powell
By Andrew Collins
October 23 2005

The Blues picked up a vital win in their opening Heineken Cup match against Yorkshire outfit, Leeds Tykes. Following an appauling first half performance, Cardiff produced a very impressive second scoring 4 tries to pick up all 5 points leaving Leeds with none.

R. Williams; Czekaj, J. Robinson, Stcherbina, Morgan; N. Robinson, Phillips; Yapp, G. Williams, M. Jones, Quinnell, Sidoli, Sowden-Taylor, M. Williams, A. Powell. 

T. Davies for Stcherbina (80), R. Powell for Phillips (75), Evans for G. Williams (80), D. Jones for Sidoli (74), Schubert for Sowden-Taylor (76).

---

The match was a perfect demonstration of the 'Jekyll and Hyde' effect with Cardiff at the moment. The first half was the laclustre, lazy, pride-less performance we saw against Connact, Wasps and Leinster, but in complete contrast, the 2nd half was like watching highlights from the saracens and Scarlets matches.

The Blues got first blood with an early Nick Robinson penalty, but it was clear that Leeds were looking much the better side.

Sure enough before long they took the lead, Kiwi legend Justin Marshall went over the top of the maul to create havok in the Cradiff 22, he found Andre Snyman who scored between the sticks, converted by Ross.

They tightened the screw when Marshall added a drop goal as the Arms Park region failed to make any sort of attack.

Cardiff were embarrassing themselves infront of the Sky cameras, with poor passing and improper handling. The crowd began to get restless as the region seemed to be unable to get any sort of foothold in the game, and after Robinson and Ross exchanged penaltys, the capitals players were met with boos and jeers at the half.

Half Time
Cardiff Blues 6 Leeds Tykes 13

After 40 minutes, fans were expecting heads to roll, a loss to Leeds at home would signal an end to any Heineken cup hopes, and Dai's reign as coach.

I can't even begin to imagine what Young said to his players' but whatever it was, it worked.

Right from the kick off, the passion and belief seemed to be there, led by Andy Powell, the Blues became more aggressive, dogged and looked like a completely differnt team.

Robin Sowden-Taylor playing at openside grabbed the first try for Cardiff. The academy product was involved in some excellent handling down the left flank with Czekaj, and dived over the line, much to the congratulations of back-row partner Powell.

Robinson added an excellent touchline conversion, to put his side level.

Some quick thinking from Quinnell and Gareth Williams at a lineout saw the lock give a 1-2 back to the hooker, who was quick enough to touchdown in almost the exact same spot as Robins try.

Robinson, from the same spot, again converted to lift fans and players. The Blues were unrecognisable from the team that played the first 40, attacking from all areas on the feild, being unpredictable and looking dangerous every time the ball was in hand. In contrast, Leeds looked lost, with heads down and no communication the Powergen Champions weren't posing a threat.

Fans in the left corner were treated again, as the Blues romp continued. Roland De Marigny's clearence kick was charged down by Craig Morgan, he collected and threw a great pass to John Yapp, the youngster having the simple task of finishing to claim just his 2nd ever Cardiff and Blues try. Robinson converted this time from a slightly easier angle.

The bonus point try came shortly after, a fantastic rolling maul from the outstanding 2nd half pack got Cardiff within touching distance of maximum points. The maultwisted left and right before one final straight push beat the Leeds forwards for sheer brute strength, with Gareth Williams clutching the ball at the bottom. Robinson converted.

The blues brought their score to 40 with a penalty kick with the last touch of the game. The second half score was 34-0 in Cardiff's favour, a miraculas turnaround for what had been such a dissapointing opener.

Final Score
Cardiff Blues 40 Leeds Tykes 13

After the match, the man fearing his job said,

"You have got to win your home games in this competition and at half-time we were under pressure, but in the second period we were much more committed to the tackle area and showed what we could do."

So what do you think? Leave your comments about the game on the messageboard, then check back in the week to see if you made the Fans comments report.