Hill gives Blues no chance in Toulouse

Jan 21 2008 by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo

BRISTOL coach Richard Hill was fulsome in his praise of the Blues after yesterday’s game, but wrote off their chances against Toulouse in the quarter-final.

Asked whether he thought the Arms Park side stood much of a chance of winning in South-West France, Hill replied: “Honestly? No.”

He added: “Toulouse are a very good side with a multitude of attacking options.

“It would be the best win in Cardiff’s history if they won down there.

“I know Llanelli Scarlets won there last season, but let’s face it, it is not a fixture you want to have to get past to reach a semi-final.

“But what I like about Cardiff is that they will give it a good go and they will play good rugby.”

Saying that, Hill was magnanimous in defeat and certainly had no complaints.

“Cardiff Blues were the better side,” Hill conceded.

“For them to come here, where other sides have crumbled, and withstand what we threw at them was impressive.

“We got in some hard hits early on but they refused to buckle.

“They didn’t lose their heads and kept control of themselves.

“But I suppose their task of just needing a win was easier than ours of needing a win and four tries.

“I think we had that at the back of our minds and it affected our composure.

“But this was our first time in the competition and we are learning.

“Cardiff have been playing in it for a lot longer and are more experienced.”