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Boss pleased as Anscombe fires in Europe

6th December 2014


Mark Hammett praised the performance of fly half Gareth Anscombe as he successfully completed his first 80 minutes in a Cardiff Blues jersey as the region beat London Irish in Europe.

Anscombe’s clever kick helped set up an early try for Richard Smith and he finished with nine points as undefeated Blues moved to the top of Pool 1 on 14 points after three games.

He said: “I thought Gareth was good. There were a couple of missed kicks early on, although they were tough to be fair, but he then produced a really nice kick to set up the first try for Richard Smith.

“He’s a very good communicator and to have a guy who can really general and boss out there is important. It is something we are trying to encourage with the players, to really drive them and be vocal.

“Sometimes even if it is a wrong decision, if it is done with 100percent intent then it can come off alright.”

Hammer revealed flanker Sam Warburton should be fit for selection next weekend and praised the performance of Josh Turnbull who again shone in the second row.

“We are a bit short in terms of locks so the guys had to do a job and Josh Turnbull had his second successive outing at lock and was brilliant. He might have to do one more shift,” he said.

“It’s nice to be able to play ball carriers in the forwards, but you have still got to front up and do the tight stuff. If we have players who possess that talent then that is a bonus for the Blues.”