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Anscombe proud of Judgement Day V victory

18th April 2017


Gareth Anscombe was delighted with his side's performance during the Judgement Day win over Ospreys, following four weeks of hard work in the build-up to the clash.

The outside half contributed 15 points during Saturday’s 35-17 victory at Principality Stadium, including diving in for his side’s fifth try of the afternoon.

The Welsh international’s converted try stretched the score to 35-3 early in the second half, before Ospreys bounced back late in the game to narrow Cardiff Blues’ lead to 18 points.

Anscombe was pleased to be able to gain revenge following the 46-24 defeat at the hands of Steve Tandy’s men earlier in the season, and believes his side’s attitude at the start of the each half sealed the victory.

“It’s probably been a long time coming for us, and one we’ve been working really hard towards for the last four weeks. We’ve done it pretty tough over those four weeks and caught a lot of flack, and at times I guess it’s been called for," said Anscombe.

“I think the boys reacted really well today, especially after the way they put us to the sword at the Liberty Stadium at the start of the season, and we didn’t want that to happen again. 

“We knew we had nothing to lose, and obviously they’re playing for a place in the top four which might’ve added a bit more pressure on them. 

“I thought the way we started was fantastic and we put a lot of heat on our forward pack to keep up with them and their physicality, and I think they did a tremendous job at that. 

“I thought we started the second half really well. We came in at half time and didn’t want to stop playing and try to defend our lead as we didn’t think it was enough. 

“I was really proud of the boys for the way we took to task early in the second half and blew them out of the water. We won that game at the start of the second half. 

“We knew they are a quality side and they really showed that in the final 15-20 minutes, and we were hanging on for dear life. It shows the hard work over the past four weeks meant something. 

“We always talk about these derbies and I think a lot of it comes down to the attitude. Down at the Liberty they really embarrassed us, when we had a bit of confidence, but they won the physical exchanges. I thought we evened that up tonight. We were hungry and started both half really well. 

“That was really pleasing. We hung on in the end and deserved the win.

“It’s an awesome occasion. I really enjoy playing out here and when you get the chance you want to take it with both hands. It’s been a long time coming for us, we haven’t beaten the Ospreys sine I’ve been here, and to do it at Judgement Day, in front of a big crowd, means a lot to the team.”