0:00:24 > 0:00:28As 2011 gave way to 2012, the RaboDirect Pro 12 League spurred
0:00:28 > 0:00:35into life. The Ospreys and the Dragons took part in a Friday-night
0:00:35 > 0:00:42thriller. The Cardiff Blues took on Leinster. We travel to the south of
0:00:42 > 0:00:48France where life is treating James Hook very well. Have the boys
0:00:48 > 0:00:55welcomed you here? Yes. I shake hands with everyone in the changing
0:00:55 > 0:01:04room every day. It makes you get out there and meet people. From the
0:01:04 > 0:01:07
0:01:07 > 0:01:12Mediterranean to South Wales to Good evening and welcome to the
0:01:12 > 0:01:18programme. I am joined by Jonathan Davies and Gwyn Jones. We will be
0:01:18 > 0:01:28talking about the so called player drain to France for that but let us
0:01:28 > 0:01:30
0:01:30 > 0:01:36start with Leinster's visit to the another outing for the Cardiff
0:01:36 > 0:01:45Blues because he has a calf injury. The captaincy goes to Sam Warburton
0:01:45 > 0:01:55as Paul Tito is out. That has gone against the Cardiff Blues. A free
0:01:55 > 0:01:55
0:01:55 > 0:02:05kick quickly taken. What a start for Leinster. They will be asking
0:02:05 > 0:02:22
0:02:22 > 0:02:32questions about the Cardiff Blues Kearney steps past. It is the
0:02:32 > 0:02:49
0:02:49 > 0:02:59inside ball that has abandoned the They need to get the Leinster
0:02:59 > 0:03:01
0:03:01 > 0:03:11bodies out of the way. It was hit sweetly. Number 32 in the Celtic
0:03:11 > 0:03:49
0:03:49 > 0:03:58to feed that one. Quickly taken by Xavier Rush. The crowd baying him
0:03:58 > 0:04:04forward. Just a metre or two from the Leinster try line. Gethin
0:04:04 > 0:04:14Jenkins has a go. He has to wriggle over. The crowd says yes but
0:04:14 > 0:04:29
0:04:29 > 0:04:39Leinster says no. It is a Teflon. for the extra points for the
0:04:39 > 0:04:45
0:04:45 > 0:04:50Cardiff Blues. They are back within one point. Hands were in there.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55This is a great chance for the Cardiff Blues to go ahead. Leigh
0:04:55 > 0:05:05Halfpenny has kicked superbly all evening. That is the commentator's
0:05:05 > 0:05:22
0:05:22 > 0:05:30the penalty as well. The kick ahead, he does bring him down but he makes
0:05:31 > 0:05:40a real meal of it. Fergus McFadden carries on where Janis extend the
0:05:41 > 0:06:03
0:06:03 > 0:06:13done a bit awry for the Scarlets. Not the most exhilarating open
0:06:13 > 0:06:16
0:06:16 > 0:06:23score. Interception by Wilson for Glasgow. The referee has called him
0:06:23 > 0:06:26back. That was timely for the Scarlets. Here is at Rhys
0:06:26 > 0:06:36Priestland, to put the Scarlets in the lead for the first time.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38
0:06:38 > 0:06:48Straight and true. The Scarlets are up to nine points. Good drive by
0:06:48 > 0:06:51
0:06:51 > 0:07:01the forwards. Rob Kenyon on Lou Reed. A yellow card. The sin-bin
0:07:01 > 0:07:12
0:07:12 > 0:07:22the Scarlets. Five metres short. The referee said that was illegal.
0:07:22 > 0:07:22
0:07:22 > 0:07:32A penalty back in the midfield. Here is another card. It is a Ryan
0:07:32 > 0:07:34
0:07:34 > 0:07:42Wilson. Glasgow and now down to 13 men. The Scarlets taking the scrum.
0:07:42 > 0:07:48Ben Morgan drive towards the Glasgow posts. He is there. The
0:07:48 > 0:07:58Scarlets's first try and it had to come with a depleted Glasgow scrum.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02
0:08:02 > 0:08:12Stephen Jones. Lou Reed had a little go. A quick ball here would
0:08:12 > 0:08:16
0:08:16 > 0:08:23be handy. There were four in the a reception committee for the wing.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28It takes that amount to get George North down. Glasgow are still only
0:08:28 > 0:08:35a try behind. They are not out of this game by any means. A kick to
0:08:35 > 0:08:43the corner. Williams covering. Put in touch by the scrum-half. To be a
0:08:43 > 0:08:49line-out for Glasgow. The referee does not like that. He has given a
0:08:49 > 0:08:59penalty against Williams. A chance for Scott White to bring Glasgow
0:08:59 > 0:09:35
0:09:35 > 0:09:40within two points. No problem. It It is a lovely habit winning. It
0:09:40 > 0:09:47doesn't matter how you get there. The Cardiff Blues, no shame losing
0:09:47 > 0:09:51to Leinster but they could have one? With all their injuries and
0:09:51 > 0:09:56going down after 15 minutes, they were staring into the abyss. The
0:09:56 > 0:10:00data come on in the second half. Considering how good Leinster have
0:10:00 > 0:10:10been, they did very well. Bewitching subject briefly for now.
0:10:10 > 0:10:18Steve Shingler, the former Llanelli player has found himself in an
0:10:18 > 0:10:27eligibility row. He was selected for Scotland. This added chose him
0:10:27 > 0:10:32wearing a Welsh shirt. It seems a bit of a mess. He feels he has not
0:10:32 > 0:10:38wanted by the national side. Wales would like to have him as part of
0:10:38 > 0:10:43their options but his personal future, it is a dilemma between
0:10:43 > 0:10:47national pride and personal ambition. All international rugby
0:10:48 > 0:10:54players want to prove themselves on the highest stage. He has a better
0:10:54 > 0:10:59chance of playing for Scotland and Wales. That is probably what he
0:10:59 > 0:11:05would like to do. It is an interesting situation. His brother
0:11:05 > 0:11:11has impressed for the Scarlets. You could have a situation where two
0:11:11 > 0:11:21brothers play against each other in the Six Nations. They think he
0:11:21 > 0:11:21
0:11:21 > 0:11:27might play for Wales. But he may be thinking I could have 50 caps for
0:11:27 > 0:11:32Scotland but Rhys Priestland will be in his way here. But he could
0:11:32 > 0:11:38fill the role for the Cardiff Blues. And I after the World Cup, a number
0:11:38 > 0:11:42of players cross the Channel. Hook was one of them. We caught up
0:11:42 > 0:11:48with him in his new home on the Mediterranean. It may be a short
0:11:48 > 0:11:52hop over the Channel but culturally, it is a long way from South Wales.
0:11:52 > 0:12:02Food, wine and Rigby and among the biggest passions here. James Hook
0:12:02 > 0:12:03
0:12:03 > 0:12:07is already feeling at home. We are in glorious sunshine here. It must
0:12:07 > 0:12:13get pretty heated when there is a full crowd? That is one of the
0:12:13 > 0:12:22reasons why I signed here. I played here with the Ospreys and the
0:12:22 > 0:12:25atmosphere was incredible. There is an exceptional atmosphere. That is
0:12:25 > 0:12:32one of the reasons why we play rugby. The crowd's cheers and you
0:12:32 > 0:12:38hear the drums. It seems the crowd has taken to you. There is a range
0:12:38 > 0:12:47of James Hook merchandise. I'm getting good recognition? It is
0:12:47 > 0:12:52good. They let me run out first in my first match. It was good, it is
0:12:52 > 0:12:58something I am not is too. But it was really nice. He did not get
0:12:58 > 0:13:04that in Port Talbot? No. You had a good run of games at Number 10. Are
0:13:04 > 0:13:12you enjoying that? You have found a club that puts you there every
0:13:12 > 0:13:18week? Yes, playing in one position for six or seven games, it has been
0:13:18 > 0:13:28a while since I did that. I am enjoying the Rugby and you know
0:13:28 > 0:13:30
0:13:30 > 0:13:37that every week, hopefully, I will play in the same position. He is a
0:13:37 > 0:13:44very professional manner. It is perfect For us because his natural
0:13:44 > 0:13:54qualities are fast and can take a long kick. He is brave in defence
0:13:54 > 0:13:56
0:13:56 > 0:14:02and he has brave tackles. For as, it is perfect. How does it compare
0:14:02 > 0:14:05it to the trouble direct pro 12? is a tough league. The difference
0:14:05 > 0:14:14is relegation and things like that. Unfortunately, we are in the bottom
0:14:14 > 0:14:17half of the table. Every game is vital for us at the moment. We
0:14:17 > 0:14:27shake hands with everyone in the changing room every day. That makes
0:14:27 > 0:14:29
0:14:29 > 0:14:35you get out there and meet people I think the French league is the
0:14:35 > 0:14:40best in the world. It has huge TV exposure and great sponsors.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44Massive crowds and it attracts some of the best players in the world.
0:14:44 > 0:14:54With James Hook, we have been tracking him for a while. He is
0:14:54 > 0:14:58versatile and one of the best outside-halves in Europe. Going
0:14:58 > 0:15:03back to when you're making the decision to come out here, how much
0:15:03 > 0:15:09of a big decision was it? What were the pros and cons? Obviously,
0:15:09 > 0:15:15having a family makes it a massive decision. My son is not in school
0:15:15 > 0:15:23at the moment. We would not be dragging him out of school. I
0:15:23 > 0:15:28wanted to experience new things. has been a serial Pier for you. He
0:15:28 > 0:15:37had the heartache of the World Cup. Within a week of that you moved to
0:15:37 > 0:15:40France. What have you reflections been? Obviously, it was fantastic
0:15:40 > 0:15:45how we performed in the World Cup. Disappointing from my point of view
0:15:45 > 0:15:50because it did not go well. I was disappointed with that but when we
0:15:50 > 0:16:00finished the World Cup, it was all about coming out here and I am
0:16:00 > 0:16:04
0:16:04 > 0:16:11really enjoying my first couple of I would have taken a semi-final any
0:16:11 > 0:16:15day of the week, but losing to France so narrowly, it was so close.
0:16:15 > 0:16:21It cost us. I imagine coming to France in the immediate aftermath
0:16:21 > 0:16:30of the World Cup, they must have been some banter in the squad.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34the boys didn't say too much, but it was nice to be appreciated.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39Obviously the big story back at home is many of the big players
0:16:39 > 0:16:44fancy plying their trade over here as well. Yes, I can only speak on
0:16:44 > 0:16:49behalf of myself and the reasons I have done it. The other players, it
0:16:49 > 0:16:53is totally up to them but you can see why it is appealing to them,
0:16:53 > 0:16:57the culture and the lifestyle. I don't want to speak too much about
0:16:57 > 0:17:04the other players because it is up to them, but personally I am
0:17:05 > 0:17:09enjoying it here. One factor that must have played into your decision
0:17:09 > 0:17:14was your international career. Are you concerned at all that coming to
0:17:14 > 0:17:20play rugby in France might have an impact on your selection in Wales?
0:17:20 > 0:17:26Obviously, you are always concerned. My ambitions to play for Wales are
0:17:26 > 0:17:32always there, but ultimately I am out here, I have a job to do and I
0:17:32 > 0:17:37love the club. I don't want to upset the applecart here either.
0:17:37 > 0:17:43Obviously with the French clubs, it is only one week before the Six
0:17:43 > 0:17:49Nations, so it is difficult but all I can do is to press my ambitions
0:17:49 > 0:17:57to play for Wales. If they want me, I am available, hopefully two weeks
0:17:57 > 0:18:04before, definitely one week before. It is up to the club, if the come
0:18:04 > 0:18:09want me here then, you know, I will have to play and put 100% into that.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14Look ing ahead, do you see yourself staying in France? The it is too
0:18:14 > 0:18:19early at the moment to say. At the moment I am really happy and the
0:18:19 > 0:18:23main thing for me is that my family is happy. At the moment, I am just
0:18:23 > 0:18:29happy here. If your little boy grows up to be a rugby player,
0:18:29 > 0:18:37there is no danger the French will claim him, is there? No, he is
0:18:37 > 0:18:41Welsh! James Hook clearly enjoying himself
0:18:41 > 0:18:47in France, but there are concerns his moves could be the thin end of
0:18:48 > 0:18:53the wedge. A trickle could lead to a Flood. The fall Welsh regions
0:18:53 > 0:18:59have agreed to spend no more than �3.5 million each of them men for
0:18:59 > 0:19:03the next season... In Wales we operate to some tough
0:19:03 > 0:19:07constraints and conditions. One simply can't compete with the vast
0:19:07 > 0:19:12sums of money that are being pumped into the game in France at the
0:19:12 > 0:19:20present. Molly that is totally unsustainable. The world has
0:19:20 > 0:19:26changed since the regions were inception. It is a very risky
0:19:26 > 0:19:29position for any business to be reliant on one, or a small number
0:19:29 > 0:19:33of independent benefactors. We are intensely fortunate in Welsh rugby
0:19:33 > 0:19:37that we have had people who are that committed that they have put
0:19:37 > 0:19:42their own resources into the development of the good of the game.
0:19:42 > 0:19:48That can't go on. The player is offered a salary in Wales, and he
0:19:48 > 0:19:53is offered six times that salary elsewhere, there was a chance we
0:19:53 > 0:19:58could lose these players. That is the worry, that Wales could become
0:19:59 > 0:20:03a development ground for English and French teams. The regions
0:20:03 > 0:20:08claimed the salary cut will stabilise the game in a long-term,
0:20:08 > 0:20:14but could it served as a green light for poaching our players?
0:20:14 > 0:20:19These players have a learning to work towards an short career spans.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23They are honourable guys who have given a lot to rugby so you can't
0:20:23 > 0:20:29blame them personally. I worry about players going overseas for
0:20:29 > 0:20:35vast sums of money, and how do we get them back if that is their
0:20:35 > 0:20:40earning potential? Will we get them back at the end of their career?
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Not everybody to cough up north, not everybody will take off across
0:20:44 > 0:20:50the Channel. We could find a lot of our top players in Wales don't end
0:20:50 > 0:21:00up staying here. It needs to be looked at as a matter of urgency.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04Strong words. Gwyn Jones told me we have nothing to worry about, but if
0:21:04 > 0:21:10a few players are going overseas there are plenty more to replace
0:21:10 > 0:21:15them - what is your take? I don't agree. Their only so many of our
0:21:15 > 0:21:19world class players around and we want to keep them in Wales. The
0:21:19 > 0:21:24French clubs, the conditions are so loaded in their favour that they
0:21:24 > 0:21:29will pick the best players from anywhere in the world. If we have a
0:21:29 > 0:21:33lot of good international players, and another good Six Nations, they
0:21:33 > 0:21:38will be prime targets and we can't compete. Regional rugby has
0:21:38 > 0:21:43struggled since the World Cup, it has bounced back over the festive
0:21:43 > 0:21:48period, but the region's need to develop their own money and the
0:21:48 > 0:21:53regional cap really only addresses the internal market within Wales.
0:21:53 > 0:21:59It doesn't address the external pressures coming from France.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04just think they had to do something. It is always going to be there. The
0:22:04 > 0:22:10only way the top players are going to go is because of the difference
0:22:10 > 0:22:16in their salary. How long can France sustain that? We don't know,
0:22:16 > 0:22:25but if the top players are going maybe we need help. The image of
0:22:25 > 0:22:31Welsh rugby, the key to that to the international game, and maybe they
0:22:31 > 0:22:37need help. Jones is going to say it is catastrophic because he is an
0:22:37 > 0:22:41agent. He will want to bump up the money as well because he will learn
0:22:41 > 0:22:47more. You can understand what he is saying, but some players if they
0:22:47 > 0:22:51are good enough they will go. It is not only Wales that is affected, it
0:22:51 > 0:22:56is many other players in the world. If the money is massively different,
0:22:56 > 0:23:02they will go because it is their career and they have got to look
0:23:02 > 0:23:06after themselves. Might the French bubble burst? Their model might not
0:23:07 > 0:23:13be the best model to follow. Many French clubs are spending beyond
0:23:13 > 0:23:19their means. We saw an international squad of superstars
0:23:19 > 0:23:23that very nearly went under. Scarlets have got to be careful
0:23:23 > 0:23:29telling everyone else how to run their affairs, they have been
0:23:29 > 0:23:34through some tough times themselves. More broadly, if anyone goes to
0:23:34 > 0:23:41France, everything is relative. If they have a crisis, we will
0:23:41 > 0:23:47certainly have a crisis. Any player going to France, have it written in
0:23:47 > 0:23:51their contract, when you come to a session, you come. No gentleman's
0:23:51 > 0:23:56handshake. Wales are training, if you want to make sure of your
0:23:56 > 0:24:00international career, make sure you are available for Wales. A politics
0:24:00 > 0:24:07aside, James Hook is really enjoying himself and they have
0:24:07 > 0:24:11taken him to heart. Yes, let's make no excuses. The reason they are
0:24:11 > 0:24:18therefore is the cash. I didn't go to witness for a lifestyle change,
0:24:18 > 0:24:27let me tell you that. At the moment there is a vast difference, but who
0:24:27 > 0:24:35knows what will happen in the future. We are going to lose
0:24:35 > 0:24:40players. If we don't play these young players, they will be gone.
0:24:40 > 0:24:46There is an argument for every side of the story. It will always be
0:24:46 > 0:24:56there. I'm sure this debate will continue, but now we will return to
0:24:56 > 0:25:00
0:25:00 > 0:25:04the pro 12. On Friday night, the With just a five-day turnaround
0:25:04 > 0:25:14since their New year's Day win over the Blues, the Ospreys make 10
0:25:14 > 0:25:32
0:25:33 > 0:25:42changes. Lloyd Burns is out, Steve He pounces on it to save the
0:25:43 > 0:26:14
0:26:14 > 0:26:24wasn't sure. Let's have a look at the field, waiting for support to
0:26:24 > 0:26:27
0:26:27 > 0:26:37were arrived. Manufactured by 7 or 8. Watch how he holds the past.
0:26:37 > 0:26:37
0:26:37 > 0:27:44Apology for the loss of subtitles for 67 seconds
0:27:44 > 0:27:54Ashley Beck and he has support. to come in the end for one of the
0:27:54 > 0:28:11
0:28:11 > 0:28:21two, and it is Martyn Thomas who anybody near him. What a blow for
0:28:21 > 0:28:23
0:28:23 > 0:28:29the Ospreys. Two tries in quick succession. So many dummy runners.
0:28:29 > 0:28:35Just keep it simple, get it down there. Just over 10 minutes
0:28:35 > 0:28:45remaining. The Ospreys have fought their way back. The Dragons need
0:28:45 > 0:29:09
0:29:09 > 0:29:15some points to give themselves some is. What a killer blow from the
0:29:15 > 0:29:25Ospreys. That is a fantastic try. You can question the forward passes
0:29:25 > 0:29:49
0:29:49 > 0:29:59maybe. This is it, do we or dive to take it. It is against the post!
0:29:59 > 0:30:36
0:30:36 > 0:30:43One man who was at the heart of everything good was Toby Faletau.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47He picked up his second man-of-the- match award in the space of a week.
0:30:47 > 0:30:54He can do everything. He is running off the ball. He was offloading out
0:30:54 > 0:31:01of the tackle. His support play, he just has a tall. He is in the form
0:31:01 > 0:31:10of his life. There is nothing he cannot do. He has been superb over
0:31:11 > 0:31:18the last couple of games. He can get outside the back row in the six
0:31:18 > 0:31:22nations and get to the first man. The attack of the back of the scrum,
0:31:22 > 0:31:27I thought Ryan Jones was exceptional but I have enjoyed the
0:31:27 > 0:31:34games are a have witnessed this week. Talking about the game's over
0:31:34 > 0:31:40the festive period, you have made some interesting findings?
0:31:40 > 0:31:45festive period has produced some excitement. We were hoping that
0:31:45 > 0:31:55success from the World Cup would be translated into the rugby. You can
0:31:55 > 0:31:58
0:31:58 > 0:32:08see from the statistics. The Welsh average came down to about 140
0:32:08 > 0:32:09
0:32:09 > 0:32:13passes per game without including the Namibia game. It is quite
0:32:13 > 0:32:18significant when you see how fast the games are played. There is an
0:32:18 > 0:32:27ambition to recycle the ball quickly. I was looking at Friday
0:32:27 > 0:32:33night's game. It comes down to how many passes that you get. This is
0:32:33 > 0:32:41the only face of play when both sides managed to put five passes
0:32:41 > 0:32:48together. They managed to get 80 yards at the pitch by doing so. The
0:32:48 > 0:32:53defence is set. The third pass off and opens the game at. Toby Faletau
0:32:53 > 0:32:58is used in wider positions. This is an example of what the Ospreys
0:32:58 > 0:33:04tried to do. Jonathan Thomas does well to get that ball out. There
0:33:04 > 0:33:13was movement there. The other thing the Dragons like to do is to put
0:33:13 > 0:33:21long passes in. As we have seen it just now, he is devastating in that
0:33:21 > 0:33:29position. Wales played against France and Ireland and South Africa.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33Fantastic side to break down. They need lots of passes in the game and
0:33:33 > 0:33:39our regions need to take that on board to generate excitement and
0:33:39 > 0:33:45quality and scale. Going back to selection on that game. The Ospreys
0:33:45 > 0:33:50travel to will Rodney Parade with a weakened first 15. It backfired.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55They put a lot of faith in their youth behind. I do not understand
0:33:55 > 0:34:00the selection of picking at the second front row. They had a young
0:34:00 > 0:34:04back line. I would have picked a strong front five to dominate the
0:34:04 > 0:34:12set piece and then give a platform for the youngsters to perform. But
0:34:12 > 0:34:22they went behind in the game and when they brought the big guns on,
0:34:22 > 0:34:22
0:34:22 > 0:34:28perhaps a lot of confidence, it was disappointing. Their second in the
0:34:28 > 0:34:32league and it is a great position to be that they have not achieved
0:34:32 > 0:34:37to their full potential. Since Scott Johnson has been there, I am
0:34:37 > 0:34:45not sure who is in charge and what role he has. Is the coaching the
0:34:45 > 0:34:50coaches or in charge of the first team? It does not seem clear what
0:34:50 > 0:34:54everyone is trying to do. Collectively and individually,
0:34:54 > 0:34:59those players have stagnated since his first season there. He has made
0:34:59 > 0:35:09the decision to leave the Ospreys. It would be a natural time for him
0:35:09 > 0:35:10
0:35:10 > 0:35:13to leave straight away. You could put the two coaches in position and
0:35:13 > 0:35:21give them their head. They're always talking about promoting from
0:35:21 > 0:35:24within. This is an opportunity for them. They should leave these two
0:35:24 > 0:35:30in charge until the end of the season so they can put their style
0:35:30 > 0:35:37of play on it. Then, by the end of the season, they will know for the
0:35:37 > 0:35:42first time without interference from above, they will know if these
0:35:42 > 0:35:46two youngsters can do it or not. They're all on a long contract.
0:35:46 > 0:35:53Nobody will lose financially from this. If they can do it, they can
0:35:54 > 0:35:58move on. If they cannot, they can go back into the system. But it is
0:35:58 > 0:36:03time for them to say this is the time to move on. I'm slightly
0:36:03 > 0:36:10disappointed with the pattern of play. The scrum is very strong and
0:36:10 > 0:36:13someone mentioned last week may over-emphasise it. That is good
0:36:13 > 0:36:19enough in the RaboDirect Pro 12 League. But when the Saracens come
0:36:19 > 0:36:23down, there does not seem to be a plan B. The Ospreys need to make
0:36:23 > 0:36:30decisions and the decision would be to leave Scott Johnson go tomorrow
0:36:30 > 0:36:37and leave the assistance takeover. Let us turn our attention to the
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Premiership. It was Derby Day. Pontypool took on Cross Keys.
0:36:40 > 0:36:47Pontypool could be missing out on Premiership rugby next season. They
0:36:47 > 0:36:52wanted to put one over Cross Keys yesterday. They are looking for
0:36:52 > 0:37:02their first win at Pontypool. Cross Keys also had a point to prove. The
0:37:02 > 0:37:12
0:37:12 > 0:37:15first try of the afternoon. The board of Steffan Jones gave Cross
0:37:16 > 0:37:19Keys the lead at half-time. This was extended just after the break
0:37:19 > 0:37:24when Fuller intercepted a loose pass and had a clear run for the
0:37:24 > 0:37:30line. Despite the heavy conditions, both sides were keen to play open
0:37:30 > 0:37:39and expansive rugby. It was an entertaining game. Dan Robinson
0:37:39 > 0:37:49crossed for the home side's second. But Cross Keys showed their class
0:37:49 > 0:37:50
0:37:50 > 0:37:54and why they are the leading Gwent team. Good vision put them in to
0:37:54 > 0:37:58further extend their lead. The home side tried hard but could only
0:37:58 > 0:38:08manage a late consolation try. Cross Keys were happy to come away
0:38:08 > 0:38:13
0:38:13 > 0:38:23We set ourselves targets within the League. We are standing at the top
0:38:23 > 0:38:39
0:38:39 > 0:38:49of the Gwent League. It is great It has been a sad week for and the
0:38:49 > 0:38:51
0:38:51 > 0:38:57Avon. Shell was an understudy for Gareth Edwards. He was 64 years old
0:38:57 > 0:39:05and Our thoughts go out to his family. We heard from James Hook
0:39:05 > 0:39:15out in France earlier this evening. One player has changed the
0:39:15 > 0:39:16
0:39:16 > 0:39:25direction. Rick O'Shea went to meet him. We are covering a youth game.
0:39:25 > 0:39:32Whilst all the talk is of France and the player drain, one man knows
0:39:32 > 0:39:41about playing in France, Alix Popham. Will come home. The coach
0:39:41 > 0:39:46of a new bridge youth. Tell me about it? My wife's family is from
0:39:46 > 0:39:52Newbridge and I think you've level is the best rugby of your life. The
0:39:52 > 0:39:57do not realise how much you enjoy it until it is gone. All the talk
0:39:57 > 0:40:03is that professionals going to France. What was it like? It was a
0:40:03 > 0:40:07great experience. It the top league has a lot of superstars. They're
0:40:07 > 0:40:13all looking to spend big money on players. That is what is attracting
0:40:13 > 0:40:23players from all over the world. As a country, the do get behind their
0:40:23 > 0:40:27
0:40:27 > 0:40:33local team. They support them phenomena Lee. The players will
0:40:33 > 0:40:39want to be in Warren Gatland's thoughts. But the world class
0:40:39 > 0:40:46players will be selected anyway. But going there will free up spaces
0:40:46 > 0:40:53in the regions which will allow a local player to develop. Turn the
0:40:53 > 0:41:03slow ball into quick ball. Change direction with the backs. That will
0:41:03 > 0:41:12
0:41:12 > 0:41:22A lot of players are going now. It is an important thing to be able to
0:41:22 > 0:41:24
0:41:24 > 0:41:30go as a family. I have been in touch with a feel for the best Dr
0:41:30 > 0:41:35Mike Phillips a couple of days ago and he is having a whale of a time.
0:41:35 > 0:41:41How challenging is it to get a youth team on the field? It is very
0:41:41 > 0:41:51challenging. With the academy set up, it does not leave a lot of
0:41:51 > 0:41:51
0:41:51 > 0:42:00scope. Even though I agree with that set up, we just have to make
0:42:00 > 0:42:05do with what we have got. wonder that when, a local derby,
0:42:05 > 0:42:10what with the highlight? Hopefully you got the try on camera. The
0:42:10 > 0:42:19second half was a lot better. You have to do the best with what you
0:42:19 > 0:42:22have got. Alix Popham clearly enjoying himself there. The
0:42:22 > 0:42:32RaboDirect Pro 12 League takes a gap for a couple of weeks. Let us
0:42:32 > 0:42:47
0:42:47 > 0:42:51The Cardiff Blues at the best placed West region at the moment. A
0:42:51 > 0:42:57narrow defeat against Leinster yesterday. How will they be against
0:42:58 > 0:43:03London Irish cut back a tough game. They know they have to win. It is a
0:43:03 > 0:43:07big game. Edinburgh will be playing that weekend. It may all change by
0:43:07 > 0:43:13the time we discuss this next week. They have been playing well. They
0:43:13 > 0:43:19started well it would be a shame to let it go. The need the props to be
0:43:19 > 0:43:26more direct when carrying the ball. The Scarlets have made a cracking
0:43:26 > 0:43:33start. The defeats against Munster and they're facing a Northampton
0:43:33 > 0:43:38side which is coming into form? Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets are
0:43:38 > 0:43:44in the best position but the need to win. That is out tight it is. If
0:43:44 > 0:43:54they go through, I'm not sure if they will go through as one of the
0:43:54 > 0:43:58home teams. They just have to get through and the need to win. Both
0:43:58 > 0:44:04teams and are tight. The Ospreys are out of it now, unfortunately.
0:44:04 > 0:44:12It is a case of winning a game than seeing what happens. It is still
0:44:12 > 0:44:16very open. The Ospreys, another disappointing European campaign. Do
0:44:16 > 0:44:26they still see it as it has -- a realistic chance if they get into
0:44:26 > 0:44:31
0:44:31 > 0:44:41the Amlin Cup? It is going to be very competitive. The need a lift.
0:44:41 > 0:44:42