Bigger picture for Euro vision

Apr 13 2008 by Delme Parfitt, Wales On Sunday

Dissecting our sides Heineken campaign

BLUES

Realistic expectation

That they would at best make the quarter-final. At worst, flop once again in the pool stages.

Best moment

It has to be the 31-21 win at home against Stade Francais in December. They may have been at home, but this was still proof of genuine progress for the Blues against one of the giants of Europe. The day quarter-final qualification became a real prospect.

Star man

Martyn Williams. Man of the match in both Bristol games and an inspiration when it really counted. Proved a sign of things to come on the international front.

Where did it all go wrong?

Their failure to hammer home their superiority in 17-0 win at Bristol cost them a home tie in the last eight against Toulouse. At a packed Arms Park it may well have been a different story.

What they need to do?

Bring in a proven international fly-half to keep Nicky Robinson on his toes, a grizzled tighthead prop who eats concrete for breakfast and a second row who combines athleticism and class with a penchant for upsetting people. How to find them? Rather Dai Young than me.

Song for Europe

Lost in France – Bonnie Tyler

Verdict

Lost momentum at the crucial time, but the quarter-final defeat to Toulouse showed just how far they have still to go to match the big guns and mount a challenge which could see them win the tournament.

SCARLETS

Realistic expectation

To contend strongly for pool qualification in a group that contained Munster and Wasps.

Best Moment

Scored some great tries through Dafydd James, Dwayne Peel and Regan King in opening 41-28 defeat to Clermont.

Star Man

Iestyn Thomas. The prop put his body on the line in difficult circumstances right throughout a difficult campaign. Never took a backward step.

Where did it all go wrong?

When they lost to Wasps at Stradey Park in the second round of the competition despite having chances to win. There was no way back after that in such a tight group. It’s that old cliche – you have to win your home games in Europe.

What they need to do

Strengthen their front five and add some burly forwards who will give them some oomph in the ball-carrying stakes. They also need to recapture that indefinable Scarlets pride in the jersey and stop signing journeymen to replace people like Dwayne Peel.

Song for Europe

Too Low For Zero – Elton John

Verdict

While they were always up against it after the draw, finishing with zero points in their pool was unforgivable. The Scarlets have punched above their weight in this competition for years. It could be a while before they do so again, and that’s a shame for Welsh rugby which needs a strong Scarlets side.

DRAGONS

Realistic expectation

To beat Treviso home and away and anything else from Perpignan and London Irish would be a bonus.

Best Moment

They played some great rugby on the road at Perpignan in the opening game and were unlucky not to win. But did they believe they could?

Star Man

Michael Owen. Forgotten by Wales, but at second row in the first two rounds against Perpignan and Irish he was outstanding. Will be sorely missed next season when he moves to Saracens.

Where did it all go wrong?

After an encouraging start in France, the Dragons were blitzed by Irish in the second round at home, finding themselves 24-0 adrift after just 20 minutes. It was a cold realisation that they just weren’t up to it at this level.

What they need to do

How long have you got? A team would be a start, but more particularly a couple of big hitters in the Gary Teichmann mode to fire the place up a bit and get people believing that things are going to happen there. It’s no good the board closing their eyes and crossing their fingers any longer.

Song for Europe

In Too Deep – Genesis

Verdict

The way things are at Rodney Parade right now, their presence in the Heineken Cup is utterly pointless. They aren’t good enough. The sorry shambles needs a total overhaul.

OSPREYS

Realistic expectation

That they would be right in contention to become champions.

Best Moment

Teaching Gloucester a salutary lesson at the Liberty Stadium in December. It was a match they had to win and the entire team were outstanding when it mattered most.

Star Man

Justin Marshall. As good on the field as he has been as a pundit on Scrum V. He inspired the pool win against Gloucester and, while he wasn’t great in the quarter-final defeat to Sarries, who was?

Where did it all go wrong?

Losing the opening game against Gloucester at Kingsholm when they were in command at half-time and looking so superior. It put them on the back foot for the rest of the campaign and cost them a home quarter-final.

What they need to do

Are they getting the best out of the plentiful resources at their disposal? Pointing the finger at Lyn Jones is all too easy, but the fact remains they went out to an inferior side because they couldn’t deliver on the big day. That is a knack of truly great sides and one the Ospreys have yet to master on a consistent enough basis.

Song for Europe

In A Broken Dream – Python Lee Jackson

Verdict

What an opportunity missed by the Welsh galacticos. They were good enough to win it this year but an off day at Vicarage Road saw them waste the best chance they will ever have. Just a bitter pill.