Blues told to focus on halting rot

Jan 5 2008 by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo

DAI Young today warned his misfiring Cardiff Blues side to steel themselves for the “most important two weeks of the season” after a shock home to defeat to Edinburgh.

The Blues went down 11-10 to the Scots in awful conditions at the Arms Park last night, meaning they could find themselves five points adrift of leaders Leinster by tonight.

But with Harlequins due in town on Friday night for the resumption of the Heineken Cup campaign, and a trip to Bristol looming the week after, Young demanded an end to the rot that has set in since the 31-21 victory against Stade Francais on December 15.

“We are entering the two most important weeks of the season and we have to turn this around,” said Young.

“I wouldn’t say I was worried, but we have lost momentum since beating Stade Francais and we are frustrated and disappointed that things are not going to plan.

“We wanted a win against Edinburgh to take us into the Heineken games with a spring in our step. That hasn’t happened but we have to forget that now.

“Harlequins will come here on Friday and even though they cannot qualify, knowing their coach Dean Richards like I do he will love to spoil our party.”

Meanwhile Blues captain Xavier Rush is understood to have agreed an extension to his stay at the Arms Park – his original contract was up at the end of this season.

Match report: Pages 38 &39