Jump to main content
Davies praises Blues despite defeat

Davies praises Blues despite defeat

Phil Davies has paid tribute to Cardiff Blues’ fighting spirit after they came up short against reigning RaboDirect Pro12 champions Leinster.

Share this page:

Following last week’s shock home loss to Zebre, Davies called for a reaction from his charges.

And while it was not enough to claim a victory, Davies was pleased with the Blues “fire and fight” in Dublin.

Leinster scored four tries to secure the bonus-point at the RDS thanks to Sean Cronin, Dominic Ryan, Ian Madigan and the whistle of the referee.

But the Blues never threw in the towel and claimed scores of their own through Alex Cuthbert and Cory Allen.

“I wanted us to play with pride and emotion against Leinster and we did that,” he said.

“For long periods of the game, and certainly up to 67 minutes, we were very much in it and we were unfortunate not to get the try for Harry Robinson when it was adjudged forward when it came off their hooker.

“There are still things that we need to work on, but what we are trying to achieve is there and we have got to be tidier doing it.

“We got stuck in tonight, the hits were big and we carried the ball hard. The forwards were magnificent.

“We had a turnover in the corner with seven men at scrum time and we just failed to clear it and they get over the next time.

“There was lots of fight and fire tonight which was pleasing. If a couple of passes start going to hand and decisions go our way then we will get there.

“That is part of growing up I suppose, but we are growing together and tonight we showed at the home of the champions that we have got some steel about us.”

The Blues made a flying start but had only a Leigh Halfpenny penalty to show for their early pressure.

And they were punished by Leinster, who scored from their first attack with Brian O’Driscoll fixing the Blues defence to send Cronin.

Halfpenny and Madigan exchanged penalties as Leinster took a 13-6 lead into the interval.

Following the break Italian referee Marius Mitrea controversially sin-binned Filo Paulo and then awarded Leinster a penalty try.

Cuthbert responded with a sensational solo effort from the half-way line but the result was put beyond doubt when Ryan and Madigan crossed the whitewash.

There was still time for Allen to score an interception try for the Blues but it was merely a consolation.

The Blues face Edinburgh next week and Davies insists they must take the next step to get back to winning ways.

“They are all big games in this league and we want to win every game we play, especially when we play at home,” added Davies.

“Last week was particularly disappointing, but this has restored the pride in the group.

“Next week we have got to make sure we get there. We need a massive performance and we need a result for us and the supporters too.”

Partners and Suppliers

Principal Partners
Principality
Admiral
Davies praises Blues despite defeat
Vodafone
Go.Compare
Official Broadcast Partners
S4C
BBC Cymru/Wales
Official Partners
Guinness
Davies praises Blues despite defeat
Davies praises Blues despite defeat
Heineken
Davies praises Blues despite defeat
Davies praises Blues despite defeat
Official Suppliers
Gilbert
Davies praises Blues despite defeat
Rhino Rugby
Sportseen
Davies praises Blues despite defeat
Davies praises Blues despite defeat
Princes Gate
Davies praises Blues despite defeat
Amber
Opro
Total Energies
Seat Unique
Davies praises Blues despite defeat
Castell Howell
Glamorgan Brewing
Ted Hopkins
Hawes & Curtis
Davies praises Blues despite defeat