Blues flanker Sowden-Taylor frustrated by Leinster loss

Feb 18 2008 by Gareth Griffiths, South Wales Echo

CARDIFF Blues flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor has expressed his frustration that his return to action after a six-week absence ended in a Dublin defeat.

The Wales openside had not played since January 4 after being overlooked by the region and Wales, with Martyn Williams picked for Heineken Cup and Six Nations clashes.

But Sowden-Taylor could not stop the Blues suffering a defeat which has severely hampered their Magners League title ambitions.

“It is frustrating that we had it in our own hands and we have not come away with the win,” said Sowden-Taylor.

“We did really well in the first 20 minutes and blew them away.

“We did not capitalise on the points difference and they chipped away at our lead in the second half through penalties.

“We made too many handling errors and penalties and they lived off our mistakes rather than creating anything themselves.

“A victory would have put us in a good position but now we have to rely on other results.”

The 25-year-old openside now faces another week on the sidelines with Williams resuming in the Wales number seven jersey against Italy at the Millennium Stadium.

“It is great being involved in the Welsh set-up but I would be lying if I said I am not finding it frustrating that I am not playing,” said Sowden-Taylor.

“It was at least nice to get on the field against Leinster and get a game because it has been six weeks since I played.

“I have been sat on the side watching and being on the fringes you want to be in the mix.

“If you are not playing in the matches then you don’t feel as big a part of it and you don’t get the glory of being involved in the start of what has been a good Six Nations.

“It is a case of proving to the coaching set-up that when I get the opportunities I can show what I can do.

“I want to control what I can and when I get those chances I have to take them.

“Warren has shown he is not shy to change winning sides, but he has to be impressed with what he sees in regional rugby if you are going to put your best foot forward at international rugby.”