As someone employed in the education sector, the end of August is normally accompanied by a sense of dread, however, hand-in-hand with this sense of foreboding is a more positive feeling; excitement. The weekends are finally about to be spruced up with sport, more specifically rugby. For most rugby fans around the globe the excitement can be directly linked to the upcoming Rugby World Cup. Indeed, the fact that the show-piece event of this great sport is taking place right here in the UK adds to the anticipation. However, for those of us who have a club team close to their hearts, the start of the domestic league season is greeted with even more happiness.
Now don’t get me wrong, when Wales take to the field in their opening group game, I along with my Welsh brethren around the globe will have convinced myself that we are going to storm to the final before finally dispatching the All Blacks whilst playing a brand of an attacking rugby that makes the whole world fall in love with us (it could happen!!!). However, the World Cup will be done and dusted by the end of October. The domestic season wraps up in May…this is an extra seven months of rugby to saviour! Admittedly, for Cardiff Blues over the last few years the season is dead by January and by March we are all praying for May to hurry up and put us out of our misery.
Before I look at how this season could be different, it’s important to identify what’s been lacking in recent times. When you look at Cardiff from a distance, there is no reason why they should be languishing at the bottom of the table. Their home is a ground steeped in rugby folklore, some of the greatest players ever to lace their boots have represented the club and the current squad is littered with internationals, some of whom have represented the British & Irish Lions, the Holy Grail for any player from the home nations. However, that’s what you see from a distance. Watch the team up close and it’s clear to see there have been issues. Rugby is a team sport where you rely on those around you to step up and perform their role for the team. Too often in recent times Cardiff have lacked the tactical systems, skills, grit and heart to match their opponents. You only need to look at how some of our internationals perform for their countries compared to their club. Too often our Welsh internationals shine during the Six Nations only to transform from growling pit-bulls to timid poodles.
So what can be done? Well, I believe the first (and most crucial) step has been taken. By employing Danny Wilson as Head Coach we now have someone in charge with an understanding of how Welsh rugby works, who has a track record of creating positive environments where people are willing to stand up and fight for those around them and calls a spade a spade. Too often we have heard the same old clichés (‘we’re on a learning curve’) and catchphrases (‘the boys need to make sure they turn up next week because tonight was unacceptable’). Wilson has rightly acknowledged that it won’t happen overnight, as glorious as that would be, but the right sounds are being made. Cardiff needs a sporting environment which is no longer centred around individuals and instead consists of a tight unit of people who are proud to represent this famous club.
From speaking to other supporters, I think that is all we are looking for this year. When the team runs out tomorrow afternoon to face our closest rivals in a ‘friendly’ match we want to see that fire, that desire and, most of all, that bond that should exist between team mates who are united in a common cause. A win would be a bonus!
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