Cardiff Blues Season Thread 3 - Danny Wilson Appointed Head Coach

[wales606]

First topic message reminder :

Prop
Gethin Jenkins, Taufa'ao Filise, Craig Mitchell, Sam Hobbs, Scott Andrews, Thomas Davies, Dillon Lewis

Hooker
Matthew Rees, Kristian Dacey, Rhys Williams, Ethan Lewis

2nd Row
Jarrad Hoeata, James Down, Lou Reed, Chris Dicomidis, Miles Normandale

Flanker
Sam Warburton, Josh Turnbull, Macauley Cook, Ellis Jenkins, Josh Navidi, Jevon Groves, Ben Roach

Eight
Manoa Vosawai

Scrum half
Tavis Knoyle, Lloyd Williams, Lewis Jones, Tomos Williams

Fly half
Rhys Patchell, Gareth Anscombe, Gareth Davies, Jarrod Evans, Will Thomas

Centre
Cory Allen, Gavin Evans, Richard Smith, Tom Pascoe, Adam Thomas, Garyn Smith, Ray Lee-Lo

Wing
Alex Cuthbert, Harry Davies, Owen Jenkins, Chris Knight, Tom Williams, Tom James

Full back
Blaine Scully, Dan Fish, Geraint Walsh, Aled Summerhill

[LordDowlais]

Talk is that Sam Warburton will be fit in January, just in time for team Wales in the 6N. He does time his injuries well though, and he always seems fine for team Wales.

[Cardiff Dave]

Talk is that Sam Warburton will be fit in January, just in time for team fecking Wales in the 6N. He does time his injuries well though, and he always seems fine for team Wales.

Fecking fixed!

[Cardiff Dave]

It was nice to hear the crowd screaming "Blues!"

The "crowd" being the blues supporters club?

Not sure - but the Cardiff Rfc supporters club weren't there in numbers Dai.

D'you mean CRSC coz that's the only other one I know of. Difficult to spot a CRSC member btw.

I thought I heard that, it was like a du du du du du du Blues! Surprised the militant Cardiff RFC types that I encounter on Twitter didn't try and smite them for having the audacity to refer to their beloved team by their own appendage!

D'you mean those who have stuck it out through thick and thin for donkeys and have obviously spent countless £££s, time and effort supporting their club?

[Blueschief]

Ben Blair, what a player, there were times when he carried Cardiff on his own, it was a sad day when he had to call it quits cos of his knees.

[Cardiff Dave]

Dan Baugh, what a player, there were times when he carried Cardiff on his own, it was a sad day when he had to call it quits cos of his knees.

Fixed, for Cardiff fun, mun.

[Blueschief]

I'd forgotten about him, yeh he was great, can't argue with that

[Guest]

Was a big Ben Blair fan when he was with you. And Xavier Rush in his prime. Awesome. My sort of no.8.

[Cardiff Dave]

Was a big Ben Blair fan when he was with you. And Xavier Rush in his prime. Awesome. My sort of no.8.

Cardiff were almost sexy. Then went impotent all of a sudden.

[Guest]

Was a big Ben Blair fan when he was with you. And Xavier Rush in his prime. Awesome. My sort of no.8.

Cardiff were almost sexy. Then went impotent all of a sudden.

Really enjoyed watching the Blues around that time:

Rhys Williams, Blair, Rush, Gethin, Mike Phillips, Shanklin, Martin Williams, Nicky Robinson (I was always a fan even though he had his knockers, so to speak). Missed a few there I imagine. Good side. Around 2008 ish?

[Guest]

Or this Blues team from 2009 I just googled (the Martin Williams penalty shoot out match - awful way to decide a rugby match IMO):

Cardiff Blues: Blair, Halfpenny, Shanklin, J. Roberts, James, N. Robinson, Rees, Jenkins, G. Williams, Filise, Davies, Tito, Molitika, M. Williams, Rush.
Replacements: Sweeney for J. Roberts (99), Yapp for Filise (80), D. Jones for Tito (9), A. Powell for Molitika (60). Not Used: T. Thomas, Allinson, G. Thomas.

[Cardiff Dave]

Or this Blues team from 2009 I just googled (the Martin Williams penalty shoot out match - awful way to decide a rugby match IMO):

Cardiff Blues: Blair, Halfpenny, Shanklin, J. Roberts, James, N. Robinson, Rees, Jenkins, G. Williams, Filise, Davies, Tito, Molitika, M. Williams, Rush.
Replacements: Sweeney for J. Roberts (99), Yapp for Filise (80), D. Jones for Tito (9), A. Powell for Molitika (60). Not Used: T. Thomas, Allinson, G. Thomas.

Thanks for that. A restless sleep and nightmares again for me tonight.

[GavinDragon]

That was a good side

[Coleman]

Cardiff Blues Limited (CBL) and Cardiff Athletic Club (CAC) have today announced negotiations are at an advanced stage over a proposed new lease relating to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

The proposals would see the property being let under a 150-year ground lease for the express purpose of providing a new stadium suitable for rugby. This is the primary aim for all parties and will retain the iconic sporting heritage of the site. The new lease will contain ancillary enabling development to fund such ground improvements and detailed discussions are continuing to agree the full terms.

The Members of CAC agreed at an AGM last night (Wednesday) to progress negotiations - subject to contract and final approval - to replace the existing lease that is due to expire in January 2022. The CAC Management Committee will now progress negotiations towards final approval of its trustees and its members with an Extraordinary General Meeting proposed to take place in early 2016.

By securing a new long-term ground lease on BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, CBL is seeking to develop a stadium fit for purpose for both Cardiff Blues and Cardiff RFC in the heart of Cardiff city centre.

Detailed discussions will continue to agree the full terms of the new ground lease.

CBL and the rugby section of CAC will set out in due course their preferred route with respect to responsibilities for the Premiership team, terms for cooperation on the use of the ground and other operational matters.

[GavinDragon]

What about the plans to legally separate CB's from CRFC?

[bedfordwelsh]

Cardiff Blues Limited (CBL) and Cardiff Athletic Club (CAC) have today announced negotiations are at an advanced stage over a proposed new lease relating to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

The proposals would see the property being let under a 150-year ground lease for the express purpose of providing a new stadium suitable for rugby. This is the primary aim for all parties and will retain the iconic sporting heritage of the site. The new lease will contain ancillary enabling development to fund such ground improvements and detailed discussions are continuing to agree the full terms.

The Members of CAC agreed at an AGM last night (Wednesday) to progress negotiations - subject to contract and final approval - to replace the existing lease that is due to expire in January 2022. The CAC Management Committee will now progress negotiations towards final approval of its trustees and its members with an Extraordinary General Meeting proposed to take place in early 2016.

By securing a new long-term ground lease on BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, CBL is seeking to develop a stadium fit for purpose for both Cardiff Blues and Cardiff RFC in the heart of Cardiff city centre.

Detailed discussions will continue to agree the full terms of the new ground lease.

CBL and the rugby section of CAC will set out in due course their preferred route with respect to responsibilities for the Premiership team, terms for cooperation on the use of the ground and other operational matters.

Will or how will any development affect the North Terrace of the MILLENNIUM (not principality ) stadium?

[Coleman]

Not sure. You reckon the WRU will buy the land? They're building a hotel and some stuff like that soon aren't they. Maybe they'll finally finish the Millenium at the same time. Regardless i expect Peter Thomas will do well from the redevelopment.

[doctornickolas]

What about the plans to legally separate CB's from CRFC?

Well the above information mentions Cardiff Blues Ltd and Cardiff Athletic Club. Cardiff Blues Ltd is just a dormant Ltd company. Set up just to register the name. The Cardiff Blues only really exist other than this as a badge on a shirt. All 'Cardiff Blues' income and expenditure and director loans goes through Cardiff RFC.

[Coleman]

Interesting development. Scott Andrews has been selected at hooker for the Prem Select on Sunday. Lets be honest. He's not a good tighthead, but he does get around the park well. Wonder if he is looking to switch over.

*He's also down as second row cover for tonight. What a machine. . . Must be an error somewhere.

[Cardiff Dave]

What about the plans to legally separate CB's from CRFC?

Well the above information mentions Cardiff Blues Ltd and Cardiff Athletic Club. Cardiff Blues Ltd is just a dormant Ltd company. Set up just to register the name. The Cardiff Blues only really exist other than this as a badge on a shirt. All 'Cardiff Blues' income and expenditure and director loans goes through Cardiff RFC.  

Thought they had switched to Cardiff Blues Ltd last year from Cardiff RFC Ltd?

[Cardiff Dave]

What about the plans to legally separate CB's from CRFC?

Mischief maker.
I reckon/believe/understand that we'll end up with, maybe, the following....
Cardiff Blues and Cardiff Blues A run by the world famous rugby club and the Welsh prem side run by somebody else called Cardiff Athletic. Best ask Phil actually.

[Cardiff Dave]

Cardiff Blues Limited (CBL) and Cardiff Athletic Club (CAC) have today announced negotiations are at an advanced stage over a proposed new lease relating to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

The proposals would see the property being let under a 150-year ground lease for the express purpose of providing a new stadium suitable for rugby. This is the primary aim for all parties and will retain the iconic sporting heritage of the site. The new lease will contain ancillary enabling development to fund such ground improvements and detailed discussions are continuing to agree the full terms.

The Members of CAC agreed at an AGM last night (Wednesday) to progress negotiations - subject to contract and final approval - to replace the existing lease that is due to expire in January 2022. The CAC Management Committee will now progress negotiations towards final approval of its trustees and its members with an Extraordinary General Meeting proposed to take place in early 2016.

By securing a new long-term ground lease on BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, CBL is seeking to develop a stadium fit for purpose for both Cardiff Blues and Cardiff RFC in the heart of Cardiff city centre.

Detailed discussions will continue to agree the full terms of the new ground lease.

CBL and the rugby section of CAC will set out in due course their preferred route with respect to responsibilities for the Premiership team, terms for cooperation on the use of the ground and other operational matters.

So similar to what was planned 10 years ago, but with a new stadium at CAP instead of a new conference centre. Marvelous!

[Cardiff Dave]

Not sure. You reckon the WRU will buy the land? They're building a hotel and some stuff like that soon aren't they. Maybe they'll finally finish the Millenium at the same time. Regardless i expect Peter Thomas will do well from the redevelopment.

Office space too isn't it? Can't have enough empty office space mun.
Mike Hall involved too d'you reckon?

[Cardiff Dave]

Cardiff Blues v Montpellier (Fri)

Cardiff Blues:
Dan Fish; Alex Cuthbert, Rey Lee-Lo, Gavin Evans, Tom James; Rhys Patchell, Lloyd Williams (capt); Sam Hobbs, Kristian Dacey, Tau Filise, Jarrad Hoeata, James Down, Macauley Cook, Josh Navidi, Josh Turnbull.

Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Gethin Jenkins, Craig Mitchell, Scott Andrews, Cam Dolan, Tavis Knoyle, Jarrod Evans, Garyn Smith.

Montpellier:
Benjamin Fall; Timoci Nagusa, Anthony Tuitavke, Robert Ebersohn, Julien Malzieu; Benjamin Lucas, Benoit Paillaugue; Jamie Mackintosh, Bismarck Du Plessis, Pat Cilliers, Jacques Du Plessis, Paul Willemse, Wiaan Liebenberg, Antoine Battut (capt), Akapusi Qera.

Replacements: Charles Geli, Mikheil Nariashvili, Nicolas Mas, Robins Tchale Watchou, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Cameron Wright, Demetri Catrakilis, Anthony Floch.

[mikey_dragon]

Ta-ra Blues.

[Cardiff Dave]

Ta-ra Blues.

All about the performance and performances rather than winning the game I spose.

[Cardiff Dave]

19-20, 47mins.

[Cardiff Dave]

2 Frenchies in the bin. Get in Cardiff!

[Cardiff Dave]

Montpellier cavalry on! Still 19-20 to the visitors.

[Cardiff Dave]

Melon on, 20 to go.

[Cardiff Dave]

Well dibble my grub. Cuthbert scores!
24-20 to Cardiff!

[Cardiff Dave]

A Terk penalty makes it 27-20 to Cardiff.

[Cardiff Dave]

Navidi!!!
Ex Glamorgan Wanderer Josh Navidi makes it 32-20 and the 12k crowd go wild chanting CARDIFF! CARDIFF!

[Cardiff Dave]

34-27, 3mins to go.

[Cardiff Dave]

Cardiff win!
37-27.

[Coleman]

Great come back. Our scrum has come on light years. Over the moon for Cuthbert. Biggest roar i've heard at the CAP for a while.

[mikey_dragon]

Well Christ on a bike. Can't believe how wrong I was. Well done Blues, hope you kick on from here!

[Coleman]

Our first up tackling was dismal at points. People need to start taking that personally as they look like clowns when people are bowling through them at will. But there are so many positives in this game. We cam back from 13 points down, we played some decent rugby, we held on to the ball, Cuthbert got over the white wash and our scrum was good. Onwards and upwards! 4,800 crowd though :/

[Guest]

12k crowd Cardiff Dave?!

Congrats Blues, good win.

[mikey_dragon]

Was your scrum good throughout, or only when Melon and Mitchell were on? How do you rate Down at lock?

[Coleman]

It was good when we had Hobbs and Filise on and when we changed the front row.

[Seagultaf]

Despite their poor start to this season Cardiff have show some promise in their play and (as with last season) have a strong squad, bristling with internationals and British Lions. I have never doubted that they would improve as the season goes on.

It's great to see them starting to fulfill their promise under Danny Wilson. But don't get too carried away, the standard of this lower tier European Competition is poor with few teams taking it seriously and many using it as an opportunity to give game time to fringe players.

It is hugely disappointing as this competition should be a step up from the Pro 12 providing teams and their players with a stepping stone to the highest level, but in practice many games are more akin to the standard seen in the old LV Cup. This probably explains why this game held in Wales largest city drew such a poor crowd.

[mikey_dragon]

Apart from in defence Seagul.

[Cardiff Dave]

12k crowd Cardiff Dave?!

Don't be daft mun.

[Cardiff Dave]

Well Christ on a bike. Can't believe how wrong I was. Well done Blues, hope you kick on from here!

Join the club.
Away games to come against Montpellier and Harlequins, so will be amazed if we make it to the ko stages.

[Cardiff Dave]

This probably explains why this game held in Wales largest city drew such a poor crowd.

Speaks volumes.
Lots of work to do by the suits imo.

[Guest]

This probably explains why this game held in Wales largest city drew such a poor crowd.

Speaks volumes.
Lots of work to do by the suits imo.

And the fans. Let's not forget them.

[Cardiff Dave]

This probably explains why this game held in Wales largest city drew such a poor crowd.

Speaks volumes.
Lots of work to do by the suits imo.

And the fans. Let's not forget them.

The existing fans are already fans though. Like you, like me, like others on this here board. The suits need to pull their fingers out and smell the coffee for once.

[Guest]

This probably explains why this game held in Wales largest city drew such a poor crowd.

Speaks volumes.
Lots of work to do by the suits imo.

And the fans. Let's not forget them.

The existing fans are already fans though. Like you, like me, like others on this here board. The suits need to pull their fingers out and smell the coffee for once.

Not sure what more they can do to be honest. In the case of the Blues: returned to the ancestral home, smack bang in the city centre in a very big urban population, in a country that likes rugby, good smattering of international 'famous' players, offer discounted tickets (and sometimes free), seem to do a fair amount of marketing around Cardiff (billboards, radio), etc. What else can they do apart from just open the gates and let everyone in free?! Even then I reckon the crowd would still be fairly low. Not meant as a dig. Is it just results and success? How much better was it back in the good old days?

[Guest]

Just to add: same down at Rodney Parade too, just a bit harder IMO (smaller population, less star attractions, less money behind us, etc.) which is why I was saying previously that if the Blues are finding it hard to succeed on and off the pitch then we're all (in Wales) going to struggle.

Again, not a dig. We're ALL in a cauldron of sh*t and are struggling to climb out.

[wayne]

Just to add: same down at Rodney Parade too, just a bit harder IMO (smaller population, less star attractions, less money behind us, etc.) which is why I was saying previously that if the Blues are finding it hard to succeed on and off the pitch then we're all (in Wales) going to struggle.

Again, not a dig. We're ALL in a cauldron of sh*t and are struggling to climb out.

We are in the same boat Griff, look at the pathetic number at our ground yesterday, we are top of the group (still), there was I would say a few hundred BB supporters there, when we played Exeter Chiefs a few weeks ago I would say there were 500 or so of their fans there, by all accounts BB have the best crowds in the T 14 20000+ and it is a cauldron, oh to have something like that on a regular basis.
Attendance 7819 yesterday

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