Cardiff just 'have to do a lot better'
Cardiff Blues centre Tom Shanklin will finally return to action this weekend against the Scarlets – the first time the unfortunate Lion will take the field since dislocating his shoulder playing against the Dragons in May.
The Blues host the Scarlets at the Cardiff City Stadium in the first Welsh derby match of the season and, after a disappointing start to the season, Director of Rugby David Young, is struggling to be optimistic.
“Last season we won 60% of our games by one score or less, and falling on the right side of the result, and this season so far we’ve been on the wrong side.
“That was always going to be the concern – luck does change.
“It’s plain to see, we’ve got to create more opportunities, be far more threatening with the ball and score more points.”
“If we do, we will get things right.”
Adding: “I’ll make no bones about it; with the personnel we have, we’ve got to do a lot better.
“We need to get a win, and once we do, the belief and the confidence will come flooding back.”
“It will be a monkey off our back, but what we need to do is get a win at the stadium.”
The Scarlets meanwhile have named young Tavis Knoyle is their match day 22 for the first time.
Scarlets Head Coach, Nigel Davies, who has previously worked with players like Dwayne Peel and Mike Phillip through the youth system has described Knoyle as “a very bright young talent” – saying the young scrum half has excited him as much as Peel and Phillips aged 18.
“Having worked with players like Dwayne Peel and Mike Philips as they came through the youth system, Tavis has excited me as much as those players when they were 18, and shows the signs of an exceptional ability.
“He’s got a fresh approach, has given the place a real buzz since he joined us and it will be an exciting prospect for him to have the opportunity to play his first regional game with the Scarlets this weekend.”
Knoyle, eager to step out for his first game with the region, has said he can’t wait to get going.
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’ve been really impressed and excited about being part of the Scarlets since I joined in May.
“The set-up has proved it has got a lot of time for youngsters, they want to develop us I’ve been learning a lot from the coaches and the players around me.
“I am very excited about my future with the Scarlets. I grew up watching them and have seen what incredible teams and players they have produced over the years. And now I’m putting on the jersey, its brilliant – I’ve come here for the rugby and getting the opportunity to play regularly.”
On winning over the Scarlets’ supporters Knoyle said: “They are such loyal supporters, they leave and breathe rugby and I will just always try my best – if you try hard people will respect you and that’s what I am going to do. I just want to get started.”
The Teams
Cardiff Blues: 15 Ben Blair, 14 Richard Mustoe, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Gareth Thomas, 10 Sam Norton-Knight, 9 Richie Rees, 8 Xavier Rush, 7 Robin Sowden-Taylor, 6 Maama Molitika, 5 Paul Tito (captain), 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Taufa’ao Filise, 2 T Rhys Thomas, 1 John Yapp
Replacements: 16 Darren Morris, 17 Gareth Williams, 18 Deiniol Jones, 19 Andy Powell, 20 Gareth Cooper, 21 Ceri Sweeney, 22 Gavin Evans
Scarlets: 15 Daniel Evans, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Gareth Maule, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Mark Jones (captain), 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Martin Roberts, 8 David Lyons, 7 Richie Pugh, 6 Simon Easterby, 5 Dominic Day, 4 Lou Reed, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Iestyn Thomas
Replacements: 16 Phil John, 17 Matthew Rees, 18 Vernon Cooper, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 Tavis Knoyle, 21 Dan Newton, 22 Lee Williams
Date: Saturday, 26 September
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium
Time: 18.30 (17.30 GMT)
Referee: TBC
