Cardiff Blues aim to be leaders of the pack

Jan 12 2008 by Gareth Griffiths, South Wales Echo

CARDIFF Blues boss Dai Young has urged his side to be masters of their own European destiny by defeating Bristol next Sunday and securing Heineken quarter-final qualification for the first time.

The Blues’ 23-12 victory over Harlequins at the Arms Park and Bristol’s 19-11 defeat against Stade Francais in Paris last night has left Young’s side in pole position to top Pool three.

The Arms Park outfit lead the French side by three points going into the final weekend and defeat across the Severn Bridge next weekend could still ensure the Blues path through to the final eight.

But with Stade Francais also still in the qualification equation when they travel to face the Quins, Young has called on his side to eliminate any doubt by winning at the Memorial Stadium.

“Our focus is going to be to go to Bristol and win and we know that will put us through,” said Young.

“We are top of the pack at the moment and not many people would have predicted that when the draw was made.

“It is all you can ask for to go into the last game because our destiny is in our own hands.

“We have one more big hurdle and hopefully we have to make sure we can get over that.

“It is going to be a massive occasion. Hopefully we can come through it.

“I feel we are good enough to go there and win but we are mindful of how difficult it will be to do that.

“Bristol probably start as favourites because they are at home. But there is a lot of pressure on them because they probably have to look for a bonus point.”

gareth.griffiths@mediawales.co.uk

Match report: pages 42 and 43