Blues v Dragons Scrum V Live

players at least, Christmas is on Christmas, a time to love thy

neighbour, to visit friends, exchanged gifts. But not in rugby.

Now is the time for rivalries to be renewed, a chance to get one over

Neighbours me open doors to one another across the country today...

But there will be 0 warm welcome here. Last Friday, the Arms Park

witnessed a nightmare before Christmas. Once again it is defeat

at the Arms Park for the Blues. Now the dragons have the chance to

make Phil Davies's festive season one to forget.

These two teams are in a European dog fight. The lowest placed Welsh

side will miss out on the Heineken Cup next year. A win today may make

-- may just be the greatest gift of Season's greetings to you all from

everyone here at Scrum V Live. It is the traditional Boxing Day derby

match and a battle for supremacy in the East as Blues take on Dragons.

There is always a good deal of There is always a good deal of

pride at stake, but as we mentioned, the teams are battling for that

third Heineken Cup spot and as things stand they are just seven

points between them. There is a special atmosphere in Cardiff today,

despite the weather. The fans are out in force, and are expecting --

we are expecting a sell-out here at Arms Park today. Cardiff City are

also Tom, playing Crystal Palace in the championship, saw the city is

the championship, saw the city is thronged with sports fans and there

is a carnival atmosphere. The fans will be hoping for something to

celebrate, down to the player to provide that. Blues have their,

advantage, although advantages prod -- perhaps thrown -- wrong word,

after recording their seventh lost this season at home. It is

certainly not the fortress they had hoped for. Blues are hoping to buck

that trend. A win could insure the retain their place in the Heineken

Cup next season. Welcome to you all, season's greetings, what you have

not indulged too much and are looking forward to a feast of rugby.

High arm, saw his Kingsley Jones he joins me.

We talked about this in to build up, Kingsley, jeopardy involved in this

fixture, because the fourth-placed team will not be in the Heineken

Cup next year, how important is that in terms of financial issues,

prestige, to be in that drop? everything, in terms of finances,

but it, but also the players. Players want to play in the

Heineken Cup, it is a shop window and I'll -- a little higher level.

It is so important today, the Blues's form at home has not been

great. Dragons are just on the back of two wins. They are in a similar

position in the league, but it is a crucial game and the weather will

play a part. I am looking forward to it. Another plot -- sub-plot, in

the papers in the last few days Roger Lewis has hinted that the

number of regions may go down. He said four would be ideal, two is

too few, three is a possibility. Given these two are the bottom to

Mike Wells region's at the moment, that and another dimension. It does,

it seems difficult to believe there would be a competition without the

Cardiff Blues involved. It has to be said, the Dragons have been

consistently at the bottom end of the league. They're always battling,

and their academy system really works. It is healthy to have a four

regions, but I understand something has to be done, we're not

performing as well as we can, we need to keep our home-grown players

playing in our regions. It is more to just having a good environment,

but -- that is key, but also the model with tax relief, etc,

something has to be done. Speaking of our home grown players,

the latest to be spoken about his Taufa'ao Filise. If he goes, what

happens? He it is sad, Toby Faletau is such a key player.

The game now in rugby is so difficult. More often than not,

whether he beat the defender or draws two or three defenders in and

create space, he is a big part. I believe he is in a contract next

year. If I was in charge of the Dragons I would say he is

unavailable, he is that important. Ultimately, you have to keep the

player happy, but I know him personally, he is a great lad from

a good family, and I am really disappointed. I know that Allott --

lots has been made about players leaving for money, etc. Jamie

Roberts, he could be in Cardiff for the rest of his life, he could go

to France and try something different. For some players it is

not all about the money. Toby is in contract for another few months and

it should be the end of the conversation. You may have seen him

at the top of the programme plucking his guitar, I was doing my

best to avoid him, but he is down on the touch line now, Tom Shanklin.

There was a lady alongside me crying when I was singing, I asked

her if she was a fan, she said she was a music teacher. Tom,

conditions here today will be as bad if not worse than Friday.

Neither team adapted on Friday, what effect will it have today?

I had just been speaking to the groundsman, Brian Walker, who said

the surface is good to soft. It is not that bad considering the rain

we have had, but it will obviously dictate the play. Last week

conditions were pretty similar. I think the team that have to learn

from last week, the way they played, kicking out defence, the air as

they need, and it will be a forward dominated game for sure. Which of

those forwards on both sides will love this game today?

Your tank tried -- type five, Scott Andrews, Bradley Davies, and also I

am looking for a big performance from Sam Warburton. Pretty quiet

last week. On top of that, Alex Cuthbert, who can carry better than

at some of the forwards. He does go looking for the ball and I am sure

he will be looking for it tonight. A earlier I caught up with both

quarters, starting with the Dragons's Darren Edwards.

Everyone knows the significance of this game in terms of Europe, but

also we have heard in the press about perhaps downgrading regions,

how much does that concentrate your mind?

It is something, we do not really think about it. We just want to

finish as high up in the table as we can. We're concentrating on that.

There is real pressure to win this one because of the Heineken place,

how much pressure do you feel going into it?

We are very disappointed, Phil. I am personally that we do not have a

few more wins to pick us up the table. We have a lot of games left,

starting today, a massive game in front of a our own fans on Boxing

Day, we want to put a smile on people's faces by playing well, but

the Dragons are adopted team and it will be tough it. There has been

told about Wales going to three regions or a downgrading of the

region, does that at anything extra?

It is a game, really. I do not know what that talk is to the other guys,

but we're considering on this game and making sure we perform well,

Tim Krul, to move forward and continued to win in the future,

starting today. Finally, how important is that you keep ahead of

the Dragons for that Heineken Cup place? It is important, way want to

play a lot of rugby, we want to be further up the table and we are,

and we want to attend this game today and be fortunate and we have

another game in ten days' time at Munster and we will try and get as

many points as we can to get up the table and secure Heineken Cup

football next year. Thank you, Phil. A Kingsley, one

thing I wanted to ask you earlier this month, the rugby consultant

here at the Dragon's suddenly raised a few eyebrows.

What is his role? Firstly, I think the Dragons should be applauded for

doing that. They have confidence in their court and rather than firing

people because things are not going well, I believe they have brought

in in to give support to the coaches. Will he undermine the

existing coaches? I would not think so. Darren needs a father figure,

he is a young coach, done really well in previous years and is in

the deep end. Recruitment and all of these things add to the pressure

and take away the focus from rugby. Dean Ryan will call in here and do

a top-to-bottom review of where they are fat and give our report

back into the Dragons, not only supporting the quarters but

reporting back to see where he thinks things can be improved at

where the need changes. I think it is commonsense. Back to the pitch,

briefly, and the Six Nations is rendered corner of, of course, and

this Christmas derby is in some ways a trial for those looking to

impress the Welsh gorges. Once the position up for grabs is the fabled

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

number 10 jersey. Let's look at the No debate would be complete without

Gavin Henson on the end. Someone you know very well, Kingsley, but

whose you pick? I think Daniel has an opportunity

to start. I have reviewed their last four games, and Stephen Jones

is still doing the job. Someone of his experience could do a job for

Wales at the moment. Nicky Robinson, of course, another Welsh 10, also

at the Wasps. He yes, but they're not playing

enough regular rugby, I think. Nicky is another person close to it.

A does bring in Phil Steele and Tom Shanklin on these guys. What are

your thoughts? We have Rhys Patchell playing again

today, Tom, what does he bring to again.

I have been very impressed. He has only played a handful of games at

the start of the season, he is a good runner, a good eye for a gap

and his skill set seems very good. I want to see him bossing the

players around a little bit more. He seems a little quiet out there,

but he is only 19 years old and things like this, with experience.

It must be difficult at the moment playing behind a pack that is not

going forward they're all time. He likes a pack going forward. Today

he will have to bring in the bolt - - the big ball carriers and keep

things tight. Three has started coming down and I would like to see

him bringing in Cuthbert, short runners of them and trying to

control the game better. He has a great left boot, so we have two

kicking options and they have to learn from their mistakes last week.

Why about defensively? He is a big lad for a 10, he will have a people

like Andy Tuilagi running at him today. He is a big lad, it will be

a big test today. Andy Tuilagi will be running switches and short balls

at him. It will be tough. Rather him than you? Park much or rather!

It is absolutely sopping wet, suffers border on the field now,

conditions are deteriorating and it is raining quite heavily. It will

be a slugfest, let's hope the emphasis is on the fest, rather

than the slug. So on one tucked away in the warmth of the analysis

struck is Sean Holley. You have looked at both of these teams, what

have you found out? We thought the Blues, they have

really struggled with what I call the nuts and bolts, getting out of

their own half, winning the territory battle. When they do win

it, they fail to converted two tries. Only zebra have scored fewer

tries in the pro 12 this week. tries in the pro 12 this week.

I doctor last week about exit strategies, getting out of your own

half. They struggled to do this, forwards or were committing. We can

see Rhys Patchell taking the ball here, and the Scarlets have three

men back covering the ground. Conversely, with the Blues, does he

take this off the field or is it a contested game? It has not been

good kicking from them. You can see the Scarlets working to counter.

The problem this year, Harry Robinson in this case, will they

run? He has to come up leaving a lot of space behind for Williams to

punch that ball in two. It is a lot of space to cover, and from a

reasonable position the Blues find themselves back in their own 22.

From at -- an attack point of view, they can move forward against the

Scarlets, but cannot convert it. Too flat, not emotion, they need to

move as a team as a back line up this week.

Rhys Patchell is making -- spooked into making the wrong decision.

Look at the back foot of the starts from the scrum. Who is attacking

who here? They are pushing hard. It is too deep, Jason Tovey his boot

onto his run third, and it is two on a one with the scarlet, another

bid position squandered. bid position squandered.

They need to improve goody. Sean Holley will be there for the

duration of the match with analysis, and the pitch is looking a little

body, Kingsley, and that can only mean one thing - it will not be

running rugby today. It a a big challenge, the back role clash will

be interesting. Warburton's form has been up and

down, he improved it, and it will be interesting to see him today.

Navidi is also on the bench, it will be interesting to see him. One

up front, I think, with those conditions.

Well, the crowd is expected to sell out today, the weather is not great,

but there is no doubt in the passion and that is the reason we

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

all love watching the rugby at this The home advantage, I will go with

the Blues. The dragon has have come off the back of two convincing wins,

or albeit against an Italian minnows side. That will give them

confidence. When I look at the strength and the front five,

Bradley Davies, Lou Reed. That will give the Blues the edge. We will

settle in and watch the first half, coming up shortly and that means it

is time to cross to the commentary team. Merry Christmas. Gareth and

Jonathan Davies. Compliments of the season to you

and to the viewers. It is good to see that Ross is recovered good

Christmas? Jonathan Davies. Good to get out of their house! One of the

songs played earlier was "why does songs played earlier was "why does

songs played earlier was "why does it always rain on me?". Wayne Evans

is looking to direct things in his hundredth league game for the

Dragons this afternoon. And look for Mick Poole to -- to put

pressure on Alex Cuthbert. They will be looking for a big game for

Toby Faletau and Tuilagi this afternoon. It will not be easy. It

will be slippery in hand and treacherous underfoot. Those extra

inches and yards to give the team a backbone will be crucial. It will

not to be pretty today. The conditions will determine how the

game is played. It will be a forward battle and a kicking battle.

The pitch is not in great condition. It is going to be a mudbath. For

the old-fashioned traditionalist, right up your street. I do not

think it is going to be 46-44 somehow. It will be a tight affair.

Robin Copeland on the blindside rather than Josh Navidi. Going for

bulk out the front, as well. It is the usual line-up behind. Seeing if

Robinson and Alex Cuthbert can get any kind of ball to improve the try

statistics. Leighton Hodges of the Welsh Rugby Union is in charge.

one of the up and coming youngsters. In the conditions today, this man

will be crucial, as well. Daniel Evans gets the game under way. The

rain has abated somewhat. It is not pouring down now, anyway. The

traditional post-Christmas affair. It is bringing out a good sized

crowds despite the conditions. It will not be easy for either hooker

is bound to be many carries this took the ball, there was a chance

to go. The kick was a little bit too far. He took the ball, and he

did kick it. The chance for a quick tap and go in. You have to be aware

as soon as possible. He is certainly one of the main attacking

important today. Jason Tovey has got to come in and use the left

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

foot. A nurse has got to help Dan failing to stand on their feet this

afternoon. The gain-line is going to be born. They will have to look

at the depth. The Blues have an opportunity to go... They are going

wide. That was a little bit too slow. Once that is off you have to

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

to be at his as important as the other one. He tried to put too much

into that. He had plenty of following up by a Lewis Evans and

Andrew Coombs. That was brilliant. The Dragons have got a scrum but

that was a super Chase. He got mud on his face. Absolutely no time

and nowhere else to go. He might be the most aptly named player on the

field this afternoon! He has a history as a cage fighter, Mick

Poole. Using his strength. In a tight game, they have gone for the

touchline. Rhys Patchell, well, I am sure that is the work of a back-

Let's see what will happen here. Interesting.

REFEREE: This man here, not you. a players refusing to let each

other go on the floor. A nothing more of that so we stay with the

original scrum for blue. What are you coming on for? If there is

nothing... I spoke to you at the last crumb after the whistle and I

will not speak to you again. -- last scrum. This is where it

started. Sam Hobbs was in there, dragged out by the scruff of his

neck and there is a tussle on the floor. They are warning each other

up! -- and warming. Let's see how to take as many of the points as

in the corner, the Blues, and they will not kick very far and the

Dragons would Haka Slater whereas now they can have an icy easier

kick and when they do get the line- off. No. 6. Lewis-Evans, the

captain went too early. So far, it has not been great. Toby Faletau

came down to the front of the line to win it for the Dragons.

Conditions like this. You know the front ball is going to be very much

use. At Tuilagi will take stopping in these conditions. Wayne Evans

was complaining that the referee said it was done legally. Very good

will deal with you. It is a blue anything to show for it on the

They were quite dominant, it just seems a lack of concentration on

the pit. J D they have to make sure they secured the ball, because very

penalty coming. Yes, Phil Price, Sam Parry, Dan Way, really looking

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

to do a job on Sam Hobbs, Rhys get out of their own half. They

have been pinned back for the opening dozen minutes. The winds

are picking up now. I grade take from Amos, superbly

done by the young fullback. Just turned 18 years old. -- a great

take. Dan Evans near the touch line was

advantage coming and they will settle for that. That was great

go for the touch down again. Two kicks they have gone for, this is a

great take. He does not take his Dragons with the ball. Who are yes,

definitely broken off, he was isolated and allowed the Blues

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

that going to happen today? Good thinking by a Coombs on the

recovery. And Hewitt got absolutely it's smashed good of the way by

doesn't happen, a little chip, Gavin Hewitt pushed without the

Dragons, came off their own feet before Warburton could get a hand

to it, really. This is the charge because it is a nice patch of grass.

If this was five yards in he would not take it. A following wind,

against the run of play, Rhys Patchell gains the Blues the lead.

Dragons have been turning down kicks, taking into the wind, and

Rhys Patchell from the only bit of turf with no mock -- no mud shows

how it is done. That was interesting, Rhys Patchell's first

chance to kick and they went for it, the Dragons is sued their first

chance to kick, was that a mistake? We saw that ball from Rhys Patchell,

it was at cracking kick. It has only been from a lucky couple of

turn overs from the Blues they have been able to relieve a bit of

pressure. A lovely first kicked there by Rhys Patchell.

Dragons have no points on the board but 90% possession. They're looking

good, Andy Tuilagi is looking a handful in the centre, it is just

about looking after the ball, really, when they get scoring

the Blues are concerned. Yes, it just stops dead. This is

where they want to play now. The wind has definitely picked up.

Absolute monsoon conditions at the swirled and groaned in the wind,

but he got it spot on. That was just a great kick and he was going

to drop short. Bad is a good kick, as well. That will come away from

the defenders, but Lewis Jones has done well, and to be fair the

catching has been talk draw, and this time perfectly worked out

playing? It would be a resounding no! Boxing Day. What a great take,

I thought that Paul was just going to drift, drop outside of the 22,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

carriers, Faletau and Tuilagi, are a few of those this afternoon.

REFEREE: Be very careful in this pass, you have to hit the bread

basket. Conditions are dreadful, when you're in this kind of paddy

field conditions is going to be difficult.

That is a very good scrum by the Blues. You can see that Phil Price

pops up, turned over, they are looking for the miracle pass here.

Just hit the deck, clear it out, it 5:30pm kick-off. The second of the

Welsh derbies this afternoon, and Jonathan at 50. Who would have

thought it? So more old codger, that is! Hosts

like a, warming up! Of course, Dragon's back in action New Year's

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

side. The ball pops straight out of Coombs. The support did not get to

else on, he Patchell makes a tackle, then it Warburton. They just do not

clear him out, Warburton is over the ball, they cannot clear him out.

There is the knock-on. Once Warburton get over him, you have

got to take him out. If he is there for a couple of seconds, it is

going to be a turnover in penalties. successful penalties for Rhys

Patchell. I thought that because Evans is a good footballer, but I

am not sure if he is a recognised high percentage goal kicker. And

you do have someone like Lewis Robling. He is on the bench. Maybe

in the second half it will come down to kicks, it is no doubt in

took it away from him. Very difficult to take. It shows how

good they have been taking the ball so far. Going too early, Toby. And

the wind takes the ball away from him. But, absolutely horrible

Dragons players, the wind is strong against them. What you have to do

is try to keep the score down. They are thinking, we are going to get

good field position in the second half and get penalties and then we

will kick the goals. They will try to play the clock down in the first

half. The line-out at the moment is an absolute shambles from Cardiff

difficult at the moment. The Dragons are challenging everything.

Just the one through for the Blues and there was a hand in from Andrew

Coombs which destroyed things for the Blues. You're have to think

about shortening its. If you do not straight. You cannot pick your feet

up in these conditions. All the base about scrum. Somehow, the

Blues have managed to recover. That was good readjustment from Jason

Tovey. And great pressure from Toby opportunities to put it through the

seen a fair bit of kicking this afternoon, we have seen at a good

deal more pace to the game there we saw on Friday night when the Blues

Tallinn the world, anyway! -- driest towel. Still 100% from the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

clockwork, isn't it? With Rhys Patchell making the tackles you

have to look after him. Rhys Patchell is having to put his body

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

sunbathing weather! A bit shocking, it up in the air and no one is

getting out of that. They were all offside, unfortunately. They were

post and the Blues and Rhys Patchell are taking every

opportunity. That is three from three. They have opened up a nine-

point gap. A that is the difference. You look at the Dragons. They

missed a kick and then they did not take two penalties that could be

kicked. I do not think it was windy at that stage. Ten minutes into the

match it picked up and it was Leach, but Rhys Patchell and even

better slide to recover the ball. It will be a scrum for the Dragons.

This is a problem. You have to have an option to kick. They are

sprinting out of the line. Rhys Patchell is there. You can see

Jason Tovey was on the other side, which is the easier kick. You have

Dragons, wanted to get points on the board sooner rather than later.

This should be a chance for them. One minute the blue scrum is on the

offensive. The next minute the dragon scrum is on the offensive.

Surely that was a lack of confident. The ball goes to the

back, they stay down. It is there to be picked up. Just watch, on the

right-hand side. That was the easier kick. In these conditions,

you have to take the easy option. The touchline was nearer to Jason

Tovey on the side. There is no trace in Jason Tovey down. --

chasing. Well, the Dragons got themselves back within striking

distance. But, Dan Evans put it past the post. He tried to

absolutely welly that. Before the wind was stronger. He gave it

everything. He just had to stroke it and he would have had the

distance. They cannot afford to ways those opportunities. It is

the elements. Kingsley, imagine you are a forward. You have got

possession. Suddenly, there is a chance for a goal-kick and you miss

it. You miss the goal kick. What does it do for my role? It is

momentum. The Dragons, the forwards have done well. The commonsense

approach is to go to the line-out early on. They disrupted the Blues

line-out. Blues have not done that. There are scores should be nine-6.

There is 9-0 enough? I think it might be. The way they are kicking.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

and dry this afternoon is being used to advantage. The conditions

are horrendous. Remember, seven points separate the sides before

this afternoon. The Dragons have a game in hand. This is so important

thing going for the third Heineken I think there might be a change in

the second half. Lewis Robling will have to come on, do you think? He

is the goalkicker there. I am not saying that they will take Dan

Evans off. I do not think much ball is going out to the winks. You

would have to -- flyer macros. You again. And that is a great hit on

Tuilagi. I think it was a couple of hits. Toby Faletau getting them

back on the front foot. And excellent defence so far from the

Look, there is only one man there. Amos goes the aerial route, though.

sting out of it. Good carrying by the Dragons,

sooner is he back up and get more the touch line and the pass is for

word. Despite all the possession, again at that thin blue line stands

for it, but Amos gets it. Apologies for any interruption to your

screens, the weather conditions are playing havoc with the satellite,

if you can just bear with us. If you are suffering with your screens

come imagine those boys out there. That might be a problem for the

scrum-half, Yom Lewis Jones, because he has strapped his fingers

with the assistant coach for the Blues, 9-0, is it enough?

I would not have thought so. We have to do a little of what Dragons

did in the first half and keep the back in the changing rooms in a

couple of minutes, clean Jersey's, keep the Blues pinned down, rather

than giving them a wee out with the throat to come. They're just

relieving the pressure valve a little bit. He he has gone again

early, that is a very good scrum by the Blues.

If he stays owned, he has a chance to go. Cuthbert should stay on the

touch line there, as well. Just out, - get in there. Quick take.

Quick, take it, have a line-out and like this in this game. He now it

is the Dragons's turn to be disciplined. Who are last

opportunity, 12-0. It is not out of play and the line-

out has been a bit of an Achilles heel for the Blues in the first

half, but their defence has been excellent. They were under pressure

for long periods initially, again at the end of a half and they did

not concede asked -- a. Back. That's the Dragons need to make a

change, the forwards carried the ball exceptionally well. In the

second half they will have the element with them, so I think this

game is not with them. Conditions awful, element with the blues

mainly in the first half, Rhys Patchell separating the sides, at

half-time it is a Blues nine, Territory and possession

overwhelmingly in favour of the Dragons, but have they -- they have

failed to register a single point. Not making the most of that

possession. Lineouts have been a big problem for the Blues, the

Dragons putting big pressure on them, but not translating into any

advantage on the score board. Dragons only have half the might of

tackles, as well. I think they started the game well.

We mentioned the line-out, the scrums are tit-for-tat, both teams

are under pressure, but for me it is stopping Tuilagi and Faletau. If

the Blues can manage to do that they will keep the lead and take

the victory. He Tom, we're watching from the

comfort of the box and the conditions are dreadful.

Give us an idea for the players, what it is like for them out there.

They it is terrible for the players! It is terrible from the

side lines. The weather is awful. There is acute wind out there, it

is still wet on the floor at the MoD is coming up, it is all greasy,

and that is why you're seeing so many mistakes and not ons. It is

very hard conditions, you are playing at the wind and the rain

and more than the team in front of you. It is a good lead by the Blues,

9-0, and for them this game is hugely important. They have lost

seven out of nine home games. They want to make sure, this is your

home ground, it is a fortress. The wind will favour the Dragons in the

second half, it is whether the Blues can play out of that. Sean

Holley, tactics are key on conditions like this. You do not

want to spin it wide because you make got the ball, so taking takes

importance. You have been looking at the strategies of both, who is

getting it right? At times both of them. The Blues will be very happy

going in at nine-seagull, because it is 79% territory to the Dragons.

I mentioned exit strategies at the start of the shore. Getting out of

start of the shore. Getting out of your own half is very important,

and Evans played very, very well. Left-footed option, Audrey Cuthbert.

Nothing fancy, drilling into this difficult side of the field. Amos

at fullback had a good half, and playing into the wind, sometimes

contest double kicks are very important to keep the territory.

Jason Tovey does not get them out of the territory. Rhys Patchell has

been charged down twice in the first half putting pressure on

himself. They started to get it right, Jones but a lovely one N.

Jason Tovey but a lovely one N. It got them the penalties for the 9-0

in the first half. It will be interesting in the second half who

interesting in the second half who wins this battle. It a obviously

become a placed kick battle, and Rhys Patchell has knocked over a

three for the blues. Dan Evans has missed two for the

Dragons. It is the kind of game that will probably come down to one

penalty. Dan Evans's first kick, when you are in tough battles,

particularly like today, it is so important. It is crucial, you'll

win your at the moment is important, but if you can bring someone on

down the wing to kick those goals, it can make the difference. It is

difficult, if you have the nerve to hold for those crucial kicks, it

could win the game. That is why I was never a kicker. They have had

opportunities, they will be disappointed, the Dragons, because

they had opportunities in the first half. They should have had at least

six on the board. Second half, they are playing with a lot of wind, but

it is whether Dan Evans has the nerve to kick his goals, whether

they bring Lewis Robling on or not. It will be harder for the Blues in

the second half because of the wind. Can additions are not helping

anyone, but we talked about Toby Faletau at the big -- beginning of

the programme, if anyone is doing well it is that man. He has been a

real handful with Tuilagi. He is going so it -- through three

or four defenders there to get to the line.

He is carrying non-stop. They are quite happy, the Dragons, to put

the ball behind the Blues and pressure on the line.

The runs from Tuilagi are a loading -- allowing Jason Tovey that

freedom. We sold Dragons sparing opportunities to kick goals, made

because it off -- maybe because of the lack of confidence in the

kicker. Their line-out has been functioning really well, there

drive has been functioning really well, and they were unlucky not to

score in the first five minutes. It was only agreed turnover by the

Blues that allowed them to relieve pressure. Jason Tovey has been

brilliant in that have, he is loose and fast, but he is certainly

getting the game line. Sean poorly come -- Sean Holley, obviously

things are being kept tight and the set piece will be very important,

you have been looking at the scrum, who is coming out on top?

I think it is important, I am not a scrum coach, but just to have a

scrum coach, but just to have a look at what each team is trying to

achieve. There is an interesting tussle developing. Scott Andrews is

on the tight end, but Phil Price is having a real go at him, hitting

his shoulder and forge -- forcing pressure. It is difficult for

referees and players, they cannot get a bind on these Sharks and

difficult conditions. The Bank tend to slip. Look at full price. They

have to be careful not to be reeling it round. As for the Blues,

Scott Andrews is trying to attack the Book of the Dragons and get

some purchase. -- the boot. The second half is under way and

plenty more rugby coming your way today. Cup next it is Scrum V Live

Classics, England versus Wales, 1976.

Then it is the Ospreys welcoming the Scarlets in the battle of the

West at 5:15pm. On New Year's Eve, the Dragons face the Ospreys at

Any year in Welsh rugby is one of extremes, from euphoria to

heartbreak and despair in the blink of an eye and back again. 2012 was

no exception and as it is Christmas we thought we would use Charles

Dickens to take us through this you of contradictions. He it was the

best of times... Wales have got the Grand Slam, the

third since 2005! And it was the worst of times...

A crushing blow for Wales. It was the age of wisdom. It was

the age of foolishness... That is read.

Will Gavin Henson ever play professional rugby again?

It was the epoch of belief, it was And and here is the drive, and they

have scored! It was the season of light...

We Williams is going to go for it, have they got their? They have

taken the pro 12 right at the very death.

It was the season of darkness. And he get over in the corner! That

is a try. It is all going horribly wrong for Wales.

It was the time of hope... Wales have the Triple Crown at

Twickenham! It was the winter of despair...

Wales walk dejectedly off the field. They have lost again.

We had everything before us. We had nothing before us. We were all

going direct to heaven... We were all going directive the

Great to look back at some of the more triumphant moment, we were on

the verge of world domination at the start of the year, but it went

a bit sour at the end of the year. What would you highlight?

Their grandstand was great, but to see the Ospreys take the pro 12th,

that is probably my highlight of Highlight of my year, honestly, the

try-saving tackle Leigh Halfpenny and Davies. Unbelievable. It was

last minute. They galvanise the team and they went on to win the

Grand Slam. People forget that on the back of the campaign, Wales are

the defending champions of the Six Nations. They have not become a bad

team overnight and had it not been for injuries and the last few

seconds against Australia, we would have come away with a great victory.

Wales still are the Six Nations champions and perhaps we will get

your thoughts on that. Let's go down to Phil Steele and we spoke

about the conditions in the first half. You can give us an update.

That is what it looks like, that is around the 10 metre halfway line

and you can see the surface water. It will not get any better. It is

hammering down. I had a word with the referee. He said he is happy

that the game does not need to be abandoned. He will go on safety,

where the players are in danger. Also player identification. Can he

spot which team has the ball? He is happy with both of those things and

he said neither captain have complained and he is happy to go on.

The wind has really picked up and it should favour the Dragons.

We have spoken how it is an old- fashioned derby, with the weather

as well. Kingsley, you look at the conditions and you think if ever

there was an argument for rugby union becoming a summer sport this

is it. To be honest with you, it was the only time we had a decent

game when it was raining like this! I know Tom will give his food, but,

for me, it all summer we have had the wettest Aprils, the wettest

Junes. I do not think it will change that much. It still reigns

in Wales, particularly any month of the air. Just over our shoulder is

the Millennium Stadium with a retractable roof. Perhaps we should

have played next door. I would have liked to have seen it played next

door. We want to see a good, free- flowing game. Unfortunately, the

weather is dictating how the game is played. The only option today

would be to play indoors. OK come as we have seen, the

weather is against us. But a passionate crowd, especially if you

saw the guy with the top off earlier.

Time to return to our commentary team of Jonathan Davies and Gareth

charles. Thanks very much. Hopefully, the

Thanks very much. Hopefully, the satellite problems have been solved

and they will not interfere with the picture any more. I think the

phrase of the last few weeks is, more rain falling on a saturated

surface, is applicable. His it is not raining and the moment. Fingers

crossed. -- it is. I think with a double head of local derbies,

Ospreys and Scarlets coming up, we could have played both of the games

in the Millennium Stadium. They will do it at the end of May, this

season, so who knows? Twice next year? It were be nice. -- it would

be nice. And then they can share the money out. That might be a

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

stumbling block! Liberty is not too half the way they finished the

first. It was a good tackle, he lost the tackle. That was a nice

chance to go. He slipped before he could deliver. Dafydd Hewitt

stepped in at scrum-half. That was a poor kick. He'd did not get it

aggressive defence and the turnover. He could not get that pass away.

saw that handling errors statistics. Very much more by the Dragons than

the Blues, but that might be a reflection of possession. Jones

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

dancing is he would get in on this at the Arms Park. That was way back

in November 2003. This will be a turnover if they do not do this

was happy to who fit off anyway. hoof it. They just need to stay

down here in get those penalties. They cannot relax now, Cardiff

Blues, I tell you. They have to be aggressive with their defence. They

have to carry ball. They cannot just kick it away because with

these conditions the Dragons will return it with interest. Toby

Faletau was again leading the Blues have hardly missed a tackle

all afternoon. When they need to, they have got crucial turnovers and

again to keep him at bay. The Dragons have done everything except

to score. They have kept ball time and time again. It was not just a

tackle from Jason Tovey, there were two covering players. That was a

big line-out. And they have lost it again. It was a free play for the

defending the try-line. The right one has to come over. Now they are

in midfield, there has to be one Tremendous pressure by the visitors,

stop that is what the Dragons have been building and building for.

Eventually. This man was on the charge. What a great dummy run.

Again, one-on-one, big man and small man. Harry Robinson I think

is bowled over. Watch the dummy run. I'm not sure, I cannot see who it

is, but that is the hit. You cannot go high on this man. He bowls him

over and eventually put the ball down. Great work by Dan Evans.

Harry Robinson. You have to go low on that man. Just when the Blues

needed one of the big men in big field -- what the use needed. --

what the Blues needed. Wayne Evans with the conversion. He chipped it

over and now the game is in the melting pot. A converted try brings

them back within a kick. Darren Edwards, Dragons coach, how vital

was that? It is good. We have had a lot of pressure in the game.

Disappointed in the first half. This game is about territory. It is

at about keeping somebody binned. The airline that has been fantastic.

And the scrum. I just need them to be refereed properly! -- the line-

out. Watch this dummy run. They hold the line, he hit it short.

They had numbers on the outside and worked exceptionally well. It was a

quality dummy run and then a good ball by Dan Evans. I think the

Blues have won one line-out all afternoon. It has been a shambles

for the Blues. They have to try to sort it out. This will show a lot

of character for the Blues. Because the conditions are favouring the

Dragons. They have to carry the ball. They just cannot kick the

ball away, because the Dragons will get a penalty in the second half

and slot it. They have to keep on playing. Lewis Evans, another good

change. Tuilagi this time with the for Daniel Evans. Toby Faletau, I

tell you what, you have been the field, reset -- Lewis Robling

is on for him. Tom Brown in the is now.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

intensity, the Blues, the game is the Blues atoll old stones --

downfield. Trying to get into the pace of their game and into the

conditions. He of he is, Harry Robinson. --

here he is. Technically that is a penalty. As I said, that he might

have to start playing. If they think they're going to hang on with

27 minutes left, with the wind behind, they have good...

There is Will Harries, a good kick, something to grasp on to with all

the mud and moister. -- moisture. Any clean, dry surface, so much of

in the scrums. I heard earlier that Darren Edwards was not happy in the

way they were being refereed. He honest, they are all screaming

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

season, come off the bench a couple of times. He is struggling, isn't

the referee will give the medics a chance. Phil, you have some news.

Yes, Daniel Evans of the Dragons came off with a net ankle problem.

He has his left ankle encased in a smack. Interestingly enough, it is

a twin battle, Sam Warburton in the back row for the Blues, and on the

far side from me doing great work as a physio for the Dragons is his

twin brother, Ben, who has been quite busy this afternoon. Thank

water boys are all being kept extremely busy this afternoon.

I think we can spot the family Filise's boating was very short-

little bit now. It is almost a nice well, well. I think that is a home-

made tattoo. Somebody has just decided to write that on his chest,

they take it down and picked up on offside position of dog that is

interesting. -- the offside position. Will pick it up after it

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

very difficult. There is not really back, the following up was

excellent. That is a good offload there.

Harry Robinson has a run and tried come off. He is carrying his leg.

Lewis Jones, with a face full of There row man short, the Blues,

because he just walked off. -- they own, and that is the penalty the

Dragons have been looking for. all stemmed from the fact there was

no scrum-half their, court, irrespective of what happens.

Patchell has to get the kick away. He has plenty of time to pick the

kick in, but for some unknown reason goes on his own. Cuthbert is

taken out in the tackle, and then between the posts, and the Dragons,

after failing to score a point in the first half, in the next quarter

the team might have to pick up their game in the final quarter. --

the Blues have to pick up their Patchell takes off for the Blues.

That is offside. All-in Evans picked it up from an offside

position. -- Owen Evans. They hit was not a note of us -- not just by

the referee, Ian Davies notified him. There he is, he was screaming

and shouting. An elementary error. The threesome -- three substitutes

just came on for the Dragons. They were picked up by going Evans

clearly from an offside position. - - picked up by Evans. Immediately,

the Dragons take the lead. It they have given it the Blues the chance

to take it back. A big kick for Rhys Patchell, he makes up for

getting caught in possession a moment earlier. The team might

sneak back ahead of the Dragons. That is a big kick by Rhys Patchell.

That is the difference, when you are in front and it is a silly,

Serie earned -- silly error by the take a leap out of Cuthbert's book.

You cannot just stand and wait for the kick it to clear, you have to

roll your sleeves up, the Blues, and get really stuck in. Otherwise,

the Dragons are so much in control they will neck this game. The Blues

have to net -- play because the Dragons are going to steal this

Jason Tovey can do nothing and watches it go past him over the

touchline. Nicely angled by Lewis in the right areas for the Dragons.

It is about discipline and no little things will make a huge

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

call by Lewis Robling. They are going forward. They just have to

get something. Use your big men. Just keep possession in that

position. They have done so well for an hour and more, the Dragons,

they have kept possession time and time again. It brought them the

lead for a short while. On a day when there is plenty of rugby to be

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

who he could not pass to. There are a lot of mud coloured Jersey's out

where they are playing the game, gone. You could throw a blanket

good work by the forwards. Such a lot of hard work to be done hanging

on to possession. You have got to take the penalty. You have to hold

their weight. You have to hold your width.

REFEREE: What is your opinion in terms of the conditions? If we come

here again and we do not get quick ball, I will blow. He is having a

word with Pretorius and Lewis Evans and he is quite happy to blow my

top at any time when they think it is no longer safe to play. I wonder

what our pundits would make of it. Kingsley? It interesting. It

favours the be used to call it off at the moment. At the moment, the

Blues need to play in the right areas and you are better off

playing and getting the ball down and let the Dragons play out. Sam

Warburton is effective over the ball and could get the penalty to

take the game away from the Dragons effectively. 12 minutes left, I do

not think he can blow up now. The Dragons would be distraught. They

have 12 minutes to win the game. The Blues have to play in the right

for Tuilagi. Our I am surprised Tuilagi has gone laugh. It must

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

kick and he won his team a scrum. Hugh Gustafson comes on at hooker.

If I were a dragon, I would not nip and under us, I would could tell

that a little bit and try to Trail one and spent some time in the

Blues 22. They have to drill one or low and hard into the 22 and rather

than putting it up in the air. It will be difficult to take the ball

from your own 22. One turnover, one penalty, and they win the game.

conditions. The scoreline is very This is still on a knife-edge. The

nine points advantage we looked out at half-time and everybody saying

it was too close to call, that is the way it has proved to be as Toby

Faletau again gets it over the difficult to keep control on that

ball. He picks the ball up, knocks the ball. Eight minutes left.

Unless the Blues start really carrying the ball and playing the

right areas, the Dragons will have one a chance to win this game.

a third place in Europe is what they are essentially fighting for.

Both teams before this afternoon, blues played 11, 20 points. Dragons

played 10, 13 points. Seven points of an advantage and a game in hand,

this will be massive for the Dragons. Ospreys a further seven

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

Dragons. He came down from the Blues again. He does so well to

come back infield and keep the on to this narrow lead. Almost got

a turnover. He is a good ball carrier, Hugh Gustafson. Questions

are being asked again of the Blues defence as they have been most of

the afternoon. No penalties whatsoever. You are better off

trying to score. A try. You cannot be passive. They will get over the

gain-line. And another pick and go from the No. 8. The referee said to

play on. That could have gone either way. Lewis Robling. He

pushed it just wide. Now, he missed it! He thought it was over. He was

brave enough to go for it, but he did not quite. It was a great chase.

Watch the chase by the Blues. He pushes it and it was so close. That

this and then a good chase is important now for the Blues. They

have to try to sprint. That was coming back. And knock-on has been

called. Rhys Patchell had half turned and everybody wearing blue

thought that went backwards. That is a big call from Leighton Hodges.

Phil Steele. We have done this interviews so often, can you win

it? This is a good position to be in. Opposition 22. The conditions

have made it more about guts and heart. I hope the boys can push on

and win again. Try or drop goal? will go for either. We will see if

we can power of way over. This is a Dragons under glory. A couple of

minutes between the Blues and defeat. Well, tit-for-tat, the same

as the other one, but the team that holds farm.

Tit-for-tat? Two wrongs do not make goes back. Keep you run on, what

happens here is, they are lucky because one Dragons goes in, two

players going, three players going, if that is played on that that is a

the ground. It has been a mighty match? I think Lewis Evans has been

very good leading the Dragons, but one player head-and-shoulders above

every player on the park tonight is Toby Faletau. My man of the match

today is Toby Faletau. The steels, the carrying, the tackling, he has

been immense. This has all been about managing the time, winning

advantage, you want a scrum, don't you? The Dragons will have one shot

at it in the final minute. You want a scrum there, there is no

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

have the chance to clear once and for all. That is a great kick from

This is it, 80 minutes is up. The Dragons Quartet with in-goal

distance once, can they do it again? -- that Dragons got it

as the final whistle goes. They have another home win and they have

have another home win and they have been few and far between. What a

battle, what a battle that was. was a great battle, but I have to

say that the Blues Hong on, the defensive effort in the second half

was immense. But you have to feel for the Dragons, because they were

the better side overall. Unfortunately, they could not get

those points on the board. The Blues hung on for a desperate one.

The Blues needed that so badly and it really showed. He that Dragons

had at the possession, they carried and carried, but they could not get

over the line enough times, and the boot of Rhys Patchell Kate -- kept

the Blues in the game. Four penalty for again, the Dragons have the

only try but only have a losing bonus point. Such a precious win

for the Blues by the narrowest He Gareth Charles mention that

there might it was the boot of Rhys Patchell that won that game. He

knocked over three in the first staff despite the Dragons being the

better side. In the second half, Andy Tuilagi bashed his way over

after some great running. Rhys Patchell get them in touch, nudged

the Blues back in front, but the Dragons themselves but themselves

back in front. -- got themselves. But his heart pick for the Dragons,

euphoria for the Blues. Caked in mud, but delighted, what a

Christmas present for them. We will go straight down to Phil Steele.

I have Phil Davies, the Blues chord with me. How are relieved are you

get the win? Massive relief. All credit to both

players, the referee and the crowd. Considering the conditions, it was

a very tough game. Not a lot of skill, you can't expect that in

this weather, but pleased to get there four points. All credit to

the Dragons, fair enough. Would it be fair to say your

defence won it for you in the second half?

Yes, we had a ferocious wind in the second half, but our defence were

magnificent. The effort the players showed was fantastic. We were a

little bit short on confidence at times with the ball in hand and

looked a little jittery, but for sheer effort and a determination,

ten out of ten. It opens the gap a little bit between EU and the

Dragons for the European place, how important is that? It is important,

but we just have to start stringing really good performances and get

the results. We need a bit of a run of results, and hopefully, with

finishing the year positively, let's told we can start next you

positively over in Munster and continued to win. Also continued to

develop. Thank you very much. Congratulations to Phil Davies.

Congratulations to Phil Davies. Let's look at the table and see how

this affects things. At the beginning at the Blues were

in 9th, the Dragons in 11th. The Blues have moved up two places to

seventh. That is a cause significant because the two teams

are fighting for the third Welsh European Cup place. It also means

the Blues's future looks a little brighter. They are not as far off

the play-off zone as they might have seemed. The Blues season in

have seemed. The Blues season in the Pro12 is by no means over.

Sean Holley, at the start of that second half, we mentioned the

Dragons seemed the better side in the first half, but it looked as

though they were seizing control. It was a great battle and not one

for the outside backs, but one back had a real influence in the second

had a real influence in the second half, Andy Tuilagi. This is how

they got back into the game, he even creating havoc, knocking over

Alex Cuthbert, and it was him who eventually got over the line with a

bursting run. If that was not enough, just at the

end it was Andy Tuilagi who got the turnover of winner Rhys Patchell

was a little indecisive. A great You were talking about Tuilagi

throughout the game, a massive ball Today there was a difference in the

two teams. The Blues did not keep the ball, they did not attempt to

play anymore, and did not cause or threaten to make any tackles. A

lack of confidence, that is a massive win for them today, and

looking at that table they will start looking up all of a sudden,

as opposed to looking over their shoulder. The performance was not

great, but they got the points. man's turkey sandwich that water is

a lot two-tier today is the winning captain, Andries Pretorius. He is

with Phil Steele. A and proud of you argue with you men in that

when? De Mata cliff. That game I hope

people found as entertaining as we found it to play. A how bad weather

conditions? It was tough, really tough. Before

we went out we talked about some of the great names that played on that

pitch and that should inspire us to Diggins extra deep, and they did

that today. Here is the match winner, Rhys

Patchell, you almost cost it with that turnover.

He yes, I thought I had blown it for the boys and I was gutted for

them. The boys worked hard to get into position and we score does

points. The kicking proved important,

particularly the first one new knocked over. The grass has been

pretty good today. I was telling them, if it is on this piece of

grass, I will have a short. Not one for the highlight real, but we will

take it. Alwyn is a winner. Definitely.

Not one for the highlights, it was not pretty, but how critical for

the Blues is that we to be considering their season so far?

Huge, the pressure has been on them. They did not play much rugby at all.

I thought Dragons played all the rugby. Blues kicking out of defence

was not great, but they defended, defended, defended. Some of the

hearts the pitch into those tackles at the end was brilliant. -- some

of the guts they put into those tackles. We are not sure what he is

doing there, he is shipping the kick, then all of a sudden he is

getting turned over. He is only 19 years old, and he

kicked brilliantly today. This is the winning kick, nerves of steel

this boy, only 19 years older. you forget how young he is. Whether

or not it is due soon to bring him into the Welsh Academy, possibly

good for his experience, but we already have two good Kens. For the

Dragons, after heartbreak, because they will feel they were the better

side. All of the stats in their favour, they go back down the M4

with just a losing bonus point back. Yes, for me, personally, I would

have kept all of the ball, I would not have attempted a drop goal,

unless it is clear with no pressure on the kicker. I think young Jack

Dixon came in and kicked the ball away little too quickly, but that

showed the experience of the 10 two. Thank you for watching at dawn,