Young thrilled with win

Coach says side made a "big statement"

Last updated: 25th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Young thrilled with win

Young: Big statement

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Cardiff Blues coach Dai Young was thrilled with his side's 23-9 EDF Energy Cup victory against Leicester Tigers, a win which came on the back of last weekend's Heineken Cup success against Gloucester.

Young said Cardiff's repeat performance was a tribute to their discipline and was also fulsome in his praise for teenager Leigh Halfpenny, comparing him to wing wizard Shane Williams.

"We've been capable of one-off performances in the past," he said.

"The pleasing factor today was to do it back-to-back. Getting two wins over English giants - I think we made a big statement out there.

"We have the firepower to cause any team problems, but we haven't been disciplined enough to play the right game in the right place at the right time."

Of the 19-year-old Halfpenny, he said: "Leigh has Shane's type of flair. Once he gets the ball you know something's going to happen.

"He's pretty much the complete package, but we don't want to pile too much on him too soon. He has huge potential, but he's still learning."

Stretch

However, after a court ruled on Friday that international players must be released to the Welsh Rugby Union for training next week ahead of Wales' match against South Africa on November 8, Young said it might be a stretch for seven of his side to make Friday's final pool game against Bath.

"We'll wait and see how intense the Wales training is, but it's a big ask for players to train with them on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and then play for us on Friday," he added.

Opposite number Heyneke Meyer agreed that the Blues deserved their success, although he lamented the concession of a late try which cost the Tigers a losing bonus point.

"It was a pity about that - the point would have been helpful," the South African said.

"But Cardiff were much better on the day.

"Their kicking game was good. In the first half we couldn't get any set-pieces in their half. We were better in the second half, but they were excellent in

broken play.

"We played some good rugby in the 20 minutes after the break, but didn't capitalise on it. We knew only our best would be good enough and we weren't at our best."