I would like to welcome everyone involved with the Cardiff Blues and Munster to todays Magners League, St Davids Day match. The players are really looking forward to playing on the Arms Park again after such a long break and hopefully we can put on a bit of a show.
We always look forward to playing Munster and know each other quite well. They have a lot of strength in depth and are used to playing without some of their internationals which could be the case this weekend. They are just ahead of us in the league so its an important game for both sides. It is also a game either team could win, but we are determined to get the right result to keep us in the title race.
The Leinster result was very disappointing and I thought it was a game of two differing twenty minutes. For the first twenty we were outstanding and played really well but the last twenty we lacked a little control and composure.
Weve got to give Leinster credit as they are a quality team. There was no way we were ever going to dominate the game for 85 minutes, but we were certainly in a position to win the match. On reflection, we tried to play too much football in the wrong areas at the wrong time and thats something weve got to learn from. I felt we were the better team and the only team that tried to play rugby on the night, but when you get into a position of dominance you have to make the most of it.
Weve put ourselves under a lot of pressure if we are to win the Magners League as we have got to rely on other teams now. All we can do is try to pick up as many points as possible and there are many points to be won and lost between now and the end of the season. Teams can go on winning runs and pick up bonus points, but as I said weve certainly made it hard for ourselves. However, our focus is to keep on playing, keep on improving and trying to get as many points as possible.
Its a difficult period for all teams with the break in fixtures. However, it is a period that we are all used to, so we cant offer that as an excuse. Its something we knew about going into the season and something that we have planned for.
Lastly I would thank all the Blues development officers and staff at the Arms Park for their hard work in the region. Its great to hear that so many of our supporters, from near and far, are turning up for our first Regional Clubs Day. I would also like to congratulate all the teams who will be parading their trophies at half time for their achievements. I hope you all enjoy the match.