Stability. A good team environment. Proper structure. Solid defence. All concepts you would expect to be in existence in a good rugby team. Unfortunately, over the last four seasons, some even all have been lacking at Cardiff Arms Park.
Combine that with the feud with the WRU and you can see that conditions haven’t been conducive to good rugby and therefore good results. Over the past 4 seasons Cardiff have finished 7th, 9th, 7th 10th. Consistent, one may say, but not nearly good enough for a club the size of Cardiff, with their heritage and their expectations.
It was refreshing, therefore, to attend the first of Cardiff’s “An Evening with…” occasions recently, with new coach Danny Wilson, and listen as all these “failings” were addressed. These evenings can be quite chummy on times. But hosted by the BBC’s Rick O’Shea whose father played for Cardiff many years ago, and is a passionate fan himself, he wasn’t given an easy ride. He also had to negotiate some tough questions from the fans as well!
Wilson’s coaching pedigree and ability to make a difference as head coach at such an Institution as Cardiff, was immediately under the spotlight. “Why Cardiff?” “What gives you the belief that you are up to the challenge?” were some early bombs thrown.
But they were returned with a confidence, and an ease, that resulted in a palpable air of relaxation in the audience. Being told that Cardiff was the “only Pro Team that I would pick……a sleeping giant…” obviously went down well. As did the acknowledgement of the huge weight of expectation that comes with the role.
It doesn’t appear to be a daunting prospect for him though. Having taken up coaching at 25, when his playing career was wrecked by injuries, his apprenticeship has been impressive. A stint at the Arms Park as Skills Coach, London Welsh at a very difficult time, Forwards Coach at the Dragons, being the coach to lead Wales U20s to their first victory over the Baby Blacks, a hugely successful stint at the Scarlets as Forwards Coach, and latterly at Bristol saw him work with some big names.
These include Paul Turner, Gareth Jenkins, Simon Easterby, Warren Gatland, Sean Holley and Andy Robinson. That experience and his achievements in previous roles will prove vital for him, and it can surely be used to his advantage. On top of that, so will the knowledge he gained as being coach of Cardiff’s opponents. “When teams I was involved with, played Cardiff, we knew they could score tries. We knew they would concede too. They also didn’t have a great set piece.”
Stating the obvious, some might say, but it was interesting to hear how an opposition coach viewed the team when preparing to play us. So how was that to be rectified? Well, the cornerstone for the evening was the lack of stability experienced recently at the Arms Park and the desire to return that to the team environment.
This issue was also highlighted back in April, when CEO Richard Holland was interviewed by Wales On Line’s Simon Thomas. Throughout the evening most questions came back to this problem – it was something of a cornerstone.
The foundation for improvement was the assurance that Wilson has three years to make a difference, and the plan for the side was laid on the line. Year One is to be given over to cementing the changes already being made. Year Two was for targeting an acceptable table position and to concentrate on winning the Derbies – most importantly those against the Ospreys. Year 3, to continue on from the hoped for success of the first two years.
All common sense? Well, it’s something of a reflection of the past that these objectives had to be laid bare the way they were. Coaches such as Phil Davies and the caretaker periods of Paul John and Dale Mackintosh fragmented the club.
The positivity surrounding the appointment of Mark Hammett last season evaporated almost as soon as he took the job. News of player unrest, of too much stick and not enough carrot was unsettling to say the least. However, as a sign of how much Wilson understands the psyche of players here in Wales, changes to the training regime were revealed. Yes, the players will be worked hard – the down time recently experienced during the training day was to be removed and a new intensity introduced – but the rewards will be there should the targets be met.
Whilst not being openly critical, Wilson’s responses to the questions had a subtext. He seems to have identified where the main issues lay and was determined to rectify them, firm in the knowledge that he has been given time to do so.
Why will Wilson be any different? Well no-one can say for sure that he will, but his outlook and his persona are a huge plus. He knows that the old adage of horse and water is so applicable in his line of work. He doesn’t seem to be a soft touch, but he is someone who will attempt to bring players with him, even through difficult changes, rather than drag them kicking and screaming. He has an eye for detail which was apparent throughout.
What is needed now is patience. Patience from fans, especially as Wilson really has two seasons in one ahead of him – part one while the main personalities in the squad are away with Wales and part two on their return. And patience from the Board, who may well go through periods of Fergie’s “squeaky bum time” over the coming months.
As an aside, although the fixture list throws up four away games in Ireland in the first six, this could also be a blessing in disguise. Most of these will be without their Internationals too, and could see one or two surprise results, offering a more positive start than many would expect.
All I can say, is that I was hugely impressed by the way Wilson came across. It’s a long term job, but there is more than just a hop that Danny Wilson can turn round the fortunes of this great club. In fact, there is some conviction in evidence that there is a bright future coming into view.
