Blues v Zebre Scrum V

When Judgment Day arrived, Cardiff Blues delivered. A first win over

Ospreys the seven years and an 11 game losing run brought to an end.

Now they need to keep on winning with a European play-off on the

horizon and the Wales summer tour to look forward to. The contenders have

two more editions left to stake their claims. Plenty of individuals

with points to prove tonight, not least that man, Ellis Jenkins, man

of the match a fortnight ago when captain tonight. One of the Williams

boys might want to play itself into the South Pacific Marley Williams

and Tomos Williams both starting. The Blues already guaranteed

themselves a European play-off spot. Their eventual finishing place in

the Pro12 will determine whether they face a French or English side

in that semifinal play-off. Zebra can still qualify automatically for

the Champions Cup if they finish above their Italian rivals, Treviso.

Good evening and Bob McAdoo scrum five live from Cardiff Arms Park.

Sean, you and I watch that Judgment Day game between Blues boss was a

fortnight ago. All of the sensible money was on Ospreys leading into

it, but the Blues just blew them away. Say what you like about

Ospreys, the Blues were brilliant on the day. They outplayed them in

every department, they were outplayed and out coached, the

Ospreys. It was Judgment Day. We praise that defence for the way they

shackled the Ospreys, but the attack was firing on all cylinders. Yes, it

was tactically very well thought out. Holding up the ball carrier,

they won the battle of the hide, they went to hit the floor as early

as a good and got the ball carrier quickly. They did this in phase

after days. Look at the height that Jenkins gets. Again, building those

phases. I criticise the Blues for not being in the 22 this season.

They were, on this occasion. And the other thing they got their best

ball-carriers in the game, Alex Cuthbert were superb, they targeted

Sam Davies and they got big Nick Williams over the line. They will

need to do this more tonight because they will have ample opportunity

against their opponents. Any number of contenders could make that summer

water or not least the man who has been entrusted with the captaincy

tonight. This guy, Ellis Jenkins, 28 tackles out of 28, on the ball all

day. These two in the last ten minutes, and the 75th minute he gets

back and stops a potent Ospreys counterattack from the turnover.

This, even better. This kick, the tenacity and anticipation to see the

danger to stop it going under the posts. He's quite a player, Ellis

Jenkins, one of a number of great number seven is all vying for a

place in that Wales summer tour, and he could be a pivotal figure this

evening. Zebre come here knowing what it is like to win at Cardiff

Arms Park. They have done it once before so the Blues will be wary of

them if they can recover anything like the form they showed a

fortnight ago, there will only be one winner here tonight. Paul Holley

is on his way up to the combo box to join Gareth Giles. Zebre take to the

field led by their young captain Tommaso Castello. And arguably the

best player, Federico Ruzza, moves up to the second row. Edoardo

Padovani continues a move from fly-half to full-back after missing

the defeat last week in Glasgow. The last home game of the season for the

Blues. And they will want to finish on a high. There is another game to

come, at least one, and that one will be in either France or Italy,

for a place in Europe's top competition next year. That will be

a tough one, where it will be, so they will want to go into it with

confidence I. And confidence could not be higher after Judgment Day, a

superb performance, the best of the season. The big ground next door,

and now we're back on their own turf, and they want to the same. No

Gethin Jenkins. It is the same pack that one against the Ospreys on

Judgment Day. Tomos Williams rather than Lloyd Williams at scrum-half.

Rhun Williams starts at full-back, and Alex Song I'll get a second

start of the season on the wing. Sean Bennett now a bone fide Blues

play after coming on loan. Dries van Schalkwyk places first game for

Zebre since the start of January. Former scrum-half Frank Murphy a and

in charge this evening. -- Frank Murphy of Ireland. Zebre, only one

point behind Benetton Treviso. Plenty in it for them. They want to

be in the top competition in Europe next year, as do the Blues. This is

where they bid farewell to the Pro12 at the Arms Park this season. Good

yardage. He lost the ball illegally. The tackle had to be called.

Oliviero Fabiani, the hooker and tomato Castello, the captain, these

two involved in the tackle. A new lease of life for one of the most

popular try scorers at the Arms Park when Judgment Day, Taufa'ao Filise.

And making those yaz even quicker, Sean Hollins alongside me. An early

penalty by Zebre. That is a factor with the Italian size, you have to

punish their ill discipline and we want to see the Blues building on

their Judgment Day performance. The skipper, Ellis Jenkins. Comes

crashing down with the ball safely delivered to Kristian Dacey.

Cuthbert, lovely off-load to Rhys Gill. Tomos Williams just brought

down, and the ball didn't go to hand. Some early signs that the

Blues have developed this new quick off-loading game and that is what

they want to continue with. Straightaway they get the ball to

Alex Cuthbert, you mentioned it at the top of the show, getting the

best ball-carriers on the ball. Wasn't he tackled a little bit

early? Good support play on the inside from Rhys Gill. Was he

tackled a little bit early? That was lovely from Alex Cuthbert. Yes he is

holding him back and Frank Murphy might have noticed that. Going

further drive. Kristian Dacey got a try from that less promising

situation in Judgment Day. Contained, this time. Tomos

Williams, and again, Cuthbert is working. And the local ink over the

top two Reynold Lee-Lo, but the colour comes across from Kayle van

Zyl. They call it a kick pass. And it looks great, you want them, if

you can, to go to hand, with a bounce on this page not kind enough

for the Blues, but a good start. -- the bounce on this pitch.

Reynold Lee-Lo has been in great form. Nick Williams. Spent a couple

of seasons out in Italy. At least he is looking for work, to be fair to

him. Something they have looked at in the week, Tomos Williams, already

looking threatening, bringing Cuthbert, Williams and Lee-Lo

interplay. -- into play. Interesting to see what kind of squad Wales

announced for the games against Tonga and Samoa. But don't want to

go in there with a bench of youngsters. There will be a dozen

missing for the Lions. Absolutely, they have that core strength, and

there have been some youngsters recently who have put their hands

up. Williams at full-back tonight. He has really impressed me. He has

come through very quickly. Tomos Williams, also. Unfortunately there

has been an early entry to Graham Sculli which meant that he has had

to go straight back on the wing. But he is fitting in well, there. And he

has got a bright future ahead of him. Neil Jenkins recently were

saying that they had used them in camp to run against the Welsh

forwards and simulate the attack. There goes Derick Minnie. A sound

tackle from Ellis Jenkins. I have been very impressed with him every

time I have seen. He is a No. 8, really. Very talented. He only turns

23 in August. Federico Ruzza, very impressive player. They do have a

good spring thing of players. If Zebre get something from this

tonight they play Treviso in that Italian battle for the Champions Cup

positions. It doesn't look good for Kristian Dacey, this early in the

game. He has got the tone of. He's out to the line quickly. A bit of a

stinger on the shoulder. Hopefully that is something you can get over.

There are the themselves. -- the boys enjoying themselves. In his

tight T-shirt, as ever, a handsome young man.

REFEREE: Crouch, bind, set. Stay there.

That could have been a nasty clash for a second. Jenkins, to Lee-Lo.

Looking to lead the line, but it was stolen. A little bit unfortunate

that he had no hands called because just as he was ripping it out of his

grasp. It has been a bright start for the Blues. Lots of play in the

middle area. And they are trying to pick the tempo up again. There is

Cuthbert. Half a gap, there. That time, no, the turnover is completed.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, had they gone for the corner. But what's

that is borne out of playing for the last 20 minutes. If you run this

Zebre team around you will read the benefits later in the game. -- reap

the benefits. It is important that they do not get frustrated, and keep

getting these ball-carriers on the ball, but not let them get isolated.

They have got to find a way to challenge for the ball. Unopposed.

Williams looking for the off-load. Cuthbert's confidence is growing by

the game. A slower ball. Lovely off-load from Nick Williams. I was

going to say that it needs someone with the bulk of Nick Williams, with

soft hands on him. At the moment, they just need to get going forward.

All of this play is in the midsection of the field.

Edoardo Padovani. The danger is not over for Zebre.

REFEREE: He was never on the ball, another on the ball.

In the end, no real threat. The kick from Gareth and scum and then from

Halaholo shows you that they need to look at that field position, maybe

playing a little bit too much rugby. They need to keep the Italians down

this end of the field, and the will tell. -- the pressure will tell. On

his knees to the ground, so the Blues have to let them go. Listen to

the rest -- listen to the Italians appealing to the referee for the

high tackle. We don't want to see things like that. There is what a

buzz in the crowd when Lee-Lo gets the ball. Advantage for the Cardiff

Blues. A lovely take an off-load by Nick Williams. Great skill from the

big man. Every time he gets the ball, he seems to attract big hits.

That just shows that there is a player there, who can instigate

attacks, who can off-load, who is always aware, comfortable on the

ball, and the players let you run off him and pick up those scraps. --

learn to run off him. We have seen him doing that, the one-handed pick

up from the rock and the one-handed pass. It is quite sublime. The no

look pass. Well anticipated by the Zebre defender, Mbanda. He has

proved to be a huge talisman for the Blues since signing. The reaction

from his try against the Ospreys on Judgment Day, or the player

celebrating with him. All the early pressure from the Blues, and the

first points, a Gareth Anscombe penalty. A lot of rugby played in

that first ten minutes for very little return. Let's take the three

and get that ball back and build again. Nobody wanted? Macauley Cook

delivered it. It is picked up. My Carla Canna.

They give penalties away. This referee, they think highly of him.

And they give too many away, which results in a yellow card and that is

where the Blues can take advantage. Such a needless penalty. They had

the ball in their possession. There is the man with the beard who will

be making a final decision as soon as on tour. John, alongside him.

They see straight out and straight down. -- Dacey straight down.

Williams holds his hand up. You see the ball just dying away. He has to

bend down and the big man dropped it right in front of him.

REFEREE: Crouch, bind, set. Tomos Williams defending for the Blues as

an extra defender, Zebre lining up three backs against Lee-Lo and

Cuthbert. Good charge down by Gareth Anscombe. That is giving out for

Aled Summerhill. Good defending from the young man. He'll be happy with

that. The kicking option, the Blues have got it covered. What you need

is the Zebre players to stay in field here and recycle the ball.

Great attacking spot by the Blues. Two line-outs place. Great attacking

positions to launch the players into midfield. Hello, they have come to

the wrong game, haven't they? I'm lost for words!

REFEREE: Crouch, bind, set. Stay there, stay there. Stea. -- Stay. A

chance for Paddy Varney. -- Padovani.

REFEREE: I have spoken to you about your discipline, for your team, it

will need to improve drastically. I give you one warning. The warning we

anticipated, four penalties already. He is staring at a yellow card. That

is what the Blues won. It is an extravagant play, this, deep in

their own half. They don't clear out Ellis Jenkins. An easy three points,

for me. The Blues have had three quarters of

the possession and three quarters of the game has been played in the

Zebre half. Taking the points, building up the

lead gradually. As I said, it is important the Blues don't get

frustrated, that the fans don't. They have the build into the game.

They will have plenty of opportunities if they keep wearing

them down and getting at the indiscipline of the Italians. It is

a little bit chilly out there. Cuthbert giving chase. Padovani gets

away well. He did well, didn't he? The semi. -- Bisegni. Maxime Amanda

on the wing. -- Mbanda. Up in support again. The turn comes from

Lovotti. Tracked by Josh Navidi. He has put in some important tackles

already. The inside ball well defended by Josh Navidi. We have

seen drifting Leon on the inside but that is a good six and seven, you

infill your backs and protect your second row, your front five on the

inside of you. Here it comes, in the line, back inside. If you're coming

from that angle you're telegraphing to somebody as good as Josh Navidi,

the line you have. Time for a quick team talk out there

and a time-out. And the Blues with nine wins from 20 games, nine wins

and a draw. Just three wins this season for

Zebre. Treviso, Dragons and Edinburgh.

Nice little kick from Tomos Williams. His kicks have been good.

There was a bit of a breeze as we can see from the referee was flag.

It bubbles up or runs along the floor or could sit up for Cuthbert.

Just a second start in the last 11 games, Tomos Williams, with Lloyd

Williams claiming the shirt recently.

Mbanda tries to go through the middle and again, Josh Navidi stops

in his tracks. Edoardo Padovani is quite comfortable at fly half.

Carla Canna trying to various options from ten. Still in their own

half. The loose pass, and the pressure is on. Taking, though, by

Padovani. Now they've got to do it all again. Nobody outside Carla

Canna this time to kick from. They have come to play. They are playing

all the rugby but it is in their own half. The Blues finding it quite

easy. They don't have the quality to get outside them, or through them.

In the end Padovani puts boot to ball, only as far as Alex Cuthbert.

Cuthbert. Let's see what the Blues can do with ball in hand. Macauley

Cook. Lovely ball to Nick Williams. Jenkins. Gareth Anscombe on the

outside. That is a superb try. Some fabulous off-loads from the back row

boys and Gareth Anscombe is there to round it all. Nice finish and

fantastic interplay in midfield. And, lamented by the defensive

skills of Josh Navidi in this early 20 minutes. They bide their time,

they are patient, they get Peter Nevill and the penalties. They

forced Zebre into a kick, superbly taken by Alex Cuthbert on his own

touchline, then they build with Williams. Zebre defence is now in a

little bit of disarray. They have some mismatches there, but there's

still a lot to do. Played short, here, Gestede a line and a nice,

quick ball. Look at this from Nick Williams, and fantastic off-load

from him and Ellis Jenkins. And Gareth Anscombe has enough pace to

see that one out. Great school. -- score.

Kurt very important that you're outside-half gets a touch in it's

like this. Deft hands from Nick Williams already several times this

evening. Ellis Jenkins joining in as well. Gareth Anscombe has all 13 of

the Cardiff Blues points. Let's go and see what the reaction is from

the Blues camp. A cracking try there and that is the off-loading game you

have been trying to develop in the last six weeks. How pleasing was

that? Great finish and more importantly, forcing them to kick

loosely to us. If they kick loosely, which is what we want to encourage,

then we get those opportunities. Can expect more of the same? Hopefully,

yes. The wind is blowing in. Danny loves

a good kicking battle. Here comes another chance. Great pace from Aled

Summerhill. What a finish! What a finish from Aled Summerhill. I

really hope he meant that. By that, I mean starving at the pull-back.

With support from the inside. That patience is telling. The comments

about waiting for errors and receiving kicks is coming back.

Coming from an exit kick from the Blues. They get a lucky bounce but

this is where the Blues have come alive the second half of the season.

He has some pace, look at him standing and off he goes. A

fantastic finish on the young man. He has deserved his selection

tonight. This is the key. Give him enough space does the bag himself?

Yes he does. Well done, that is what we want to see. Youngster proves he

is worthy of that shirt on the wing. Matthew Morgan has to be happy with

their place on the bench tonight. That is a class finish from Aled

Summerhill. No slip-ups at all. The Blues going

from strength to strength. Yes, a clean pair of heels for here. He

backed himself and a great conversion from Gareth Anscombe as

well. He has his sights on a place in that summer tour.

A change of tactics from Gareth Anscombe. He breaks clear though. He

has support on the inside. The bounce is unkind. Still not on. No,

this do have possession. Maxime Mbanda drives forward. A shade more

luck and they could easily have had a reply there, Zebre. Looked into

his own man, Edoardo Padovani. The referee has no option but to call

them back. Number eight, blue. We're bringing

it up now. He felt there was a bit of a knock-on. He has fallen OK, I

don't see too much wrong in that. He is picking him up, he has tipped him

and he has fallen on his hip. From what I can see, there is a left

involved but not much force in that action. Lifting involved but not

much force. He has released. Are looking at a yellow card. It is

going to be yellow. I know it is the letter of the law, but that is not

the yellow card, for me. It is a good strong catch tackle. Yes, he

has lifted him a little. If a warning or a penalty. You have

dropped. Billy? That is dangerous, a yellow card. You can see the

amazement of those players. It is not a yellow card for me. I was more

interested in the potential knock-on by Zebre.

Well, it came from the kick again. A missed tackle from Rhun Williams.

Kayle Van Zyl. That is a knock-on. Then comes the tackle which public

override it from the TML. What I cannot understand now is the

decision to go the three points. For a team that has come to score tries,

I don't know. That gets Zebre on the board at least.

If you look at the top left-hand corner of the screen, there's

already an minutes gone off the yellow card from taking a penalty.

Yes, they got three, but they need a lot more than that tonight, Zebre.

No messing this time from Carlo Canna. It is the ball back for the

Blues and the chance to attack. Yes, thank you very much, we will take

another minute or two, take our time, on the line-out. The Blues

will try to keep the ball out, run this clock out on the lead back to

15. They have two tries in the bank, plenty of time to build with a bonus

point win. Picture down by Ellis Jenkins. Alex

Cuthbert is waiting. It is Willis Halaholo who get it. Rey Lee-Lo.

Aled Summerhill. A hand in the wafer Rhun Williams.

Macauley Cook. Advantage over, penalty advantage. They are giving

away penalties at an alarming rate, Zebre. The Blues Smith it as well,

don't they? A kick for nothing has been taken by Cuthbert anyway. Tomos

Williams has the battle to get the ball away. The pressure and they

will go back to the previous penalty although there is any number of them

they could choose from. Pushing contest, no? I'm sure Ellis Jenkins

is reminding the referee that he gave him a warning not to long ago.

Your discipline has already been an issue. We don't have a number.

Penalty here, offside. We don't have a number but we have HTML. -- TML.

I'm not quite sure the point of this. TMO. I'm pretty sure this will

be just to run the clock down. Take the sting out of that yellow card.

. Another great kick there. Cuthbert again wins the aerial battle, as you

would expect from at six FM, but the touch judge has his flag up.

Another contestable kick from Tomos Williams. He has kicked well but

there is a tricky window there. Josh Navidi working very hard there.

Initially he was out of the line-out. But with Nick Williams

out, he did a great job there. Really consistent player, Josh

Navidi. Yes, he is playing in an era when there is a lot of great back

row players in Wales. But he is very consistent. Anywhere across the back

row. He got his one cap against Japan on the last Lions tour. Will

he have another one? Alex Cuthbert is lurking behind the

scrum here. You are far too far back. Let us simplify it and come

closer. Willis Halaholo steps up to fill the

void left by Nick Williams. Cuthbert. Again showing strength

going straight at Carlo Canna. Using him almost rugby league style to get

the go forward. Gareth Anscombe lying deep in the 22 but it is

Williams who does the cooking. Mattia Bellini. Gideon Koegelenberg

in support. Carlo Canna. Fabio Fognini. He has a third go at it

experts that was a good off-load but he couldn't take it. Tomos Williams

had to weave his way through. Kristian Dacey. The two centres are

together are very close to the offside line. Picked up by Rey

Lee-Lo. Gareth Anscombe. Kristian Dacey. The last five

minutes of the first half. Two tries in the opening quarter. Two tries

just after the end of the opening quarter. It has all gone a bit

scrappy synth Nick Williams has gone off. He has support this time. Rhun

Williams hold him down. To be fair, the support had come from Mattia

Bellini. It ran away from him. A great tackle. The decision by the

Italian full-back. The Blues have got themselves back. A brilliant

take by the winger but he couldn't hold his feet. Just a little bit of

luck going against Zebre. They are looking for their first try. Edoardo

Padovani has had in some great attacks. It seems a lot of error.

Zebre haven't really taken advantage of it. Still a 20 point gap. This is

what I don't understand. We have gone for a corner. The chance has

gone. It is the break again. She was some good footwork. Kristian Dacey

on his right-hand shoulder. A great tackle. Upon his feet. He is a tall

runner but the wrong option at the end. Zebre then, looking for their

first try towards the end of this first half. Decent line drive. They

are going to the touchline. Marcello Violi looking to get his hands on

it. Derick Minnie. Concentration now and discipline needed from the Blues

in these last couple of minutes. Fabio Fognini once again. Carlo

Canna weights. Maxime Mbanda. Over the ball but

Nick Williams dives in for it. It is therefore Zebre. Mattia Bellini on

most slips through. Carlo Canna, has he got the ball to ground? Frank

Murphy as close as anyone can be. Takes one in the mouth for his

struggle experts why didn't he score there? Unbelievable defence. It was

Alex Cuthbert, I think. There are plenty Zebre, going down the short

side. Desperate tackling, how he off-loaded this. Great take and it

is Cuthbert who hold them up unbelievably. Incredible defence

from the winger. Great off-loaded by Carlo Canna. Cuthbert showing huge

strength. Doesn't hit the floor. Frank Murphy is right there. A bit

too close because as Marcello Violi comes over, Frank Murphy is still

looking in there and the scrum-half comes flying over any second. As he

turns round, have that one, referee! That's for not giving it. I'm sorry!

Great defending by Alex Cuthbert. You should never give up on

anything, youngsters. Last chance then in the first half for the

Zebre. Showing his defensive qualities as

well, as his attacking ones the ceiling, is Alex Cuthbert. It is

amazing what the mind confidence doors in professional sport. These

last 56 weeks, he has been outstanding. Derick Minnie breaks

from the scrum. Ellis Jenkins drives him back yards. Carlo Canna to

Eddery got reserved. Gideon Koegelenberg. One more bit of

defending needed from the Cardiff Blues. Over the top to Taufa'ao

Filise and out he will play. In the end, the Zebre cannot break down the

Blues defence. Two tries in quick succession for the home team. A

comfortable 20 point lead. The job is half done. But they will wind to

press on the advantage they have had for long periods in the second half

comes. Only looking for two more tries of the bonus point. They will

be relatively happy out there with that half time score. At the

interval, it is 23 - three to the Cardiff Blues. Do you think the

league might have been more given the amount of bull market had? Yes,

we played well in the first half. Obviously, the last ten minutes,

down to 14 men, we had to change it up little bit to try and get Nick

Williams off the bench. Might the wind hubby in the second-half? It's

not too strong, to be honest. Have a good orange, so, Zebre have come

into play here a little bit at Arms Park but after a couple of early

penalties, it was Gareth Anscombe strumming over the line for the

first of two tries in two minutes. This one, simply different

complexion on the game. Aled Summerhill, what a finish from the

young winger. Plenty of pace to stand up at full-back and then back

himself to go on the way over the line. A classic wingers try and

update the game way beyond Zebre's reach. Italians have come to play

and the Blues have to spend ten minutes of that first half with one

man in the bin. Nick Williams after so much positive stuff, blotted his

copybook somewhat with a yellow card, although some of the boys and

commentary but it was a harsh decision. Have a look at those

statistics. At one point, territory was massively in the Blues favour.

Zebre barely got out of their half in that opening 25 minutes but it

has evened up in the last ten or 15 and is game on here. 23-3. The Blues

looking comfortable but Zebre nearly getting over the line in the closing

stages of that opening half. The question is a relevant one, the

Blues are in a comfortable lead but given the possession and territory

that had, it could have been more? Yes. I asked was as a watershed

moment and regardless of Zebre today, they need to put a

performance in on the pitch. Really show how far they've come the

season. I was into the Blues coaches beforehand and the impression was

that while Zebre picked a full strength team, they've just come

with a big scrum and try and slow the game down. Conversely, even

though a lot of it has been an their own half, they have chucked the ball

about a bit? Shown a willingness to run the ball. Even impressive in the

last few minutes. They don't quite have that quality but certainly,

their intent. I watch them against the Ospreys and this match is a man

ahead of where they wear them. Talking of the Blues and that attack

which we praised on it have come in games is this evening but that first

try, Gareth Anscombe finished it handsomely but you were praising

Ellis Jenkins at the top of the show and it was the back row that

creature that opportunity. It gave Ellis has not gone on to have a

shopper! The ball comes out wide both times. He is getting his

position. Nick Williams, a great charge, my little see with the past

and Jenkins, pass round the corner. A great finish from Gareth Anscombe.

Gareth Anscombe squirt all the points but it was 13-0 initial bid.

We have talked about caravans can, since coming back from injury, his

partnership with Lloyd Williams has really wasn't over the five or six

fixtures and he is looking the real deal. He is a great player. High

expectations of him becoming over. That confidence and getting used to

the style of play, he is finding his feet. If that one was created by the

back row but the in tandem, the one scored two minutes later was just a

brilliant finish from Aled Summerhill. He backed himself and

got over the line. Yes, suburb, should his confidence. Made that

break, good gas up the wing but it is that element of confidence. He

has a little look inside to CF Rey Lee-Lo has followed up. He realised

he has the beating of the full-back, just a stutter step and he is

untouched. What a finish. He has his chance in the Blues 15 today and he

has taken it with both hands. Rhun Williams picking up a potent for the

Brewers. Ellis Jenkins, man of the match a fortnight ago, 28 tackles

out of 28, we have seen none by status from Nick Williams. We know

what he can do in terms of making yards. We have seen him with a

yellow card tonight but it is also the soft hands and he is not given

so much credit for? He is a very big man, he gets over the gain line and

he bends the line which brings people into the game but the little

ball, he is known as a bulk carrier at around him is a lot of space

because the defence now he has to set any otherwise he will break the

line. This off-load, a little sneak, which is difficult when you are over

20 stone. Every time there is a brick in the play, he is getting

around the boys and them confidence. Obviously aspects of the game and

are not so great. A big impact here in the tackle. I don't really think

that is a dangerous tackle but the letter of the law. A bit of

subtlety. He takes responsibility, apologises to the coach, get on with

again. He has come with a big reputation as a hard man but he

seems to be very much a talisman for this loser team. He apologised to

Christian Davies and not picking up the path. Fair play to him. I would

not have taken responsibility for that one! Nick Williams, he is back

on the pitch now and will be on the second-half which is coming up very

shortly but as the race for the play-offs and as its final furlong,

we have some critical games to come this weekend. The Scarlets could

secure their place in the semifinals with a week to spare if they can

overcome the defending champions in Galway. That game is live from 7:15

tomorrow. The Ospreys could claim their play-off place if they could

win against Ulster with a bonus point and deny the Ulsterman able

respond. If not, it will all come down to last again. Highlights of

all the action on scrum five Sunday with myself, Jonathan Davies and

Martyn Williams. We will be hearing to from a Lion who is ready to roar

down under. Sam Warburton, captain for the second tour rolling.

Possibly he would have been your pick? Depends if he is watching! If

he is watching, and he will be because he is a fan of yours. George

North was absolutely right, Sam Warburton is watching and I can tell

you that for a fact because he's standing alongside me. I'm not happy

with that. Or was he thinking? Lions captain for the second time, one of

only two men in history who have been given the job twice.

Congratulations. Does it in different emotionally this time? It

is slightly different because you've gone through that process once

before but then it's equally as special because it's a brand-new

group of players, a new country to tour from looking forward to it and

it's the biggest test against New Zealand. Many people asking, I bet

you disappointed with the itinerary for the team you're playing. You're

thinking, what do you mean? That's what it's all about. You want to go

out and face a challenge so I'm looking forward to it. That

anticipates my next question because I was going to see everyone is

talking about this brutal schedule, the fact is ten games and all fibre

rugby teams. I suppose there are two ways of looking at is, firstly you

will be a battle hardened going into the test secondly you will be battle

weary because those provincial players will want to take a chunk

out of the Lions. Which we do you see it? I see it as maybe those

players will be looking at playing three or for Mac games but that

first test. For me, as a player, knowing you have three games about

intensity under your belt going into the Test series with energy in a

really good place is icky. The guys I'm going to be playing seven games

before the first test. That is why the bigger squad was picked. The

guys will get a few games under their belt and roll into the first

test physically free, they will be in a good place to face the first

much. You played in the Melbourne Rebels. How hungry, how desperate

will they be to make their mark on the Lions because it is once every

12 years for them? Rugby is everything in New Zealand.

Each and every provincial team will be looking to take the scalp of the

lines. With the All Blacks playing it is going to be a great test, each

and every one and it is going to be great preparation for the Test

match. Some said that being relieved of the Wales captaincy allowed you

to then play some of the best rugby of your career, so the captaincy of

the lines could be a burden. Presumably when Warren Gatland make

that phone call there was no hesitation. Of course not. You never

know how I would have played if I was captain for Wales but I think in

hindsight I did play better because I did not have the captaincy. But

now that I feel that I got my former back, I feel fit, my shoulders and

neck and all of the normal injuries I have had have been fine. That is

why it is a much easier decision to accept because I am back on form and

I can probably justify that role, where I did not think I could, back

in January. I would not have picked myself to start for Wales in January

and I felt like I needed to win my place back. Now I feel that I am

playing good rugby again it was an easier decision to make. You are

proudly wearing your Blues blazers this evening. You must have been

gutted to miss that Judgment Day game against the Ospreys. What does

it tell you about the weight that Danny Wilson's project is coming to

fruition? For the Ospreys game we played Ulster, Gloucester, then

Leinster going backwards. Gloucester, we just had a terrible

ten minutes. The first 50 minutes we were really dominant, I thought,

against Gloucester. And also, and away draw, so we look back at the

performances, we played some good weeks of rugby running into the

Ospreys game, although on paper results were not so good, but on

that performance, we were knocking on the door with that for quite a

few weeks to come. A lot of senior players are fit and raring to go.

Are you going to ring George North and tell them not to be so cheeky

next and? He would say that my face, I know that for a fact! We will see

in New Zealand. Thank you. Sam Warburton, the Lions captain, and is

team-mates are the Blues, Gareth Anscombe is about to kick off for

the second half with the Blues up 23-3. We can retort now to the

country box with Sean Hollins and Gareth Giles. 18 of those points

coming in the first half, playing into a slight wind, not a hurricane

by any means. Looking for two more tries to hack off the home leg of

their season. They have a very rare Chipchiu carefully to come. That is

good for -- a very rare trip to Caerphilly. They have got 40 minutes

to construct three tries, get that bonus point in and consolidate

seventh position in the Pro12. And why not, in front of their home

crowd for their last home game of the season?

He played his last game for Zebre in January. Josh Navidi does well to

pick up the bouncing ball and put the Blues on the front foot.

Jenkins, to Navidi. Kristian Dacey. Aled Summerhill. Back to Tomos

Williams. Ellis Jenkins. Halaholo. Trying to spot the gap between Carla

Canna and Mbanda. Still going, he has van Zyl outside In, the winger.

We didn't find them, tackle not completed, says the referee. Yes it

was, the penalty has, in the end just as Kayle van Zyl goes over and

they just cannot get the score, Zebre. Not exactly sure where

Federico Ruzza came from, and neither is he. They're blaming the

second row and the back row. The hands of the scrum-half on the ball.

He timed it to perfection and put it away from the referee Frank Murphy,

but was he held, here? Yes, he has been brought to ground, he has to

release or do something immediately. It is the ball and fortunately the

referee had their heels on and Frank Murphy made the decision. Great

toggle -- great cover tackle from Williams. He is giving that, all

night long. He's doing it again and there, Tomos

Williams. His hands on the ball for a long time, there. He needs to be

careful. And again. If his hands on the ball they are on side. Lovely

tackle from Josh Navidi. Zebre have picked their game up at the

beginning of this second half. Mbanda goes through. Gaining far

more yaz than he did in the first half. That time, Giulio Bisegni

guilty of not tackling. Good, flat ball, out the back, difficult to

defend, two targets to pick. And it is just too high for him and

slightly behind. The cutout passes the need to be absolutely spot on

and bring the catcher into his running stride. Just a word from Sam

Morgan on half-time. He speaks well. He will be immensely proud of that

young man. What a great achievement. And certainly, he will represent

Wales as well as the Lions. In Edinburgh, just the one penalty

for Jason Cuddy against his old club.

Padovani. Ellis Jenkins, over the ball. That this great work by the

Blues skipper. Just the speed in which he got into

position, the timing he had got over the ball. They will practice that.

They will use tackle bags. To get up quickly. Just anticipating an round

his legs with his knees into the right position, fantastic. It

requires a lot of skill, timing and courage. The scorer, Corey

Domachowski, non-. -- coming on. It is strapped heavily, his left

ankle, Rhys Gill. Castello puts the ball downfield.

It is that combination of Nick Williams and Kristian Dacey, three

or four attacking line-outs have gone all I now, basic errors from

the Blues. -- have gone awry. You would think it was St Patrick's

Day. Federico Ruzza tries to change the

angle. Carla Canna has a go. Jenkins tries to get over, not successfully,

this time. Castello right in there amongst the forwards. Fabiani.

Good, steady progress downfield from Zebre. Great pass from Canada.

Lee-Lo is waiting. It is the finishing that is letting them down.

-- from Carlo Canna. It is a clinical edge, isn't it?

Lost possession at the crucial moment. And the Blues are off the

hook. Frustration creeping in for the scrum-half. You can see the

Blues defence getting stronger as the phases getting longer. There's

the difference. Zebre are down the bottom half of the table for a

reason. They don't finish off scores. Nice support play but the

Blues eventually contain them and the comes. -- the error comes.

Zebre had hardly a sniff of the Blues' 22 for the first 35 minutes.

They have looked rejuvenated side in the second half. He looks to be

blowing a little bit. Frank Murphy said it was the third time he has

gone down. Calling for another scrum, on the basis of the last

time. Carlo Canna directly behind the

scrum. REFEREE: Crouch, buying, set. --

bind, set. That is a good scrum. And as they lose control they come back

for the penalty. The winger cannot ground that, so back they come.

REFEREE: Captain and number two, please. OK, we've had a free kick

and a penalty against you now. We need to improve this. We need to see

discipline there, as well. Let's talk to them, and we move on. OK?

The last two scrums tell a story and that is a good decision. They need

to change something or it will be a yellow card. If the same thing as

last time happened... You can see that there is consternation it down

at halfway with the manager. REFEREE: Crouch, bind, set. An

interesting situation. Have they gone down again, the Blues? Penalty

to Zebre. Marcello Violi, to Castello. They are chewing up

outside him. Ready for the next one. Sarto

just shifts it on. Violi. What is Frank Murphy's decision? That is

going to leave the Blues livid. They wanted to make the substitution

before the scrum and now they are going to have to be down to 14 men.

Scott Andrews is going to come on any way someone else is going to

have to come. There will be ramifications. The fourth official

had clearly been given the card. Scott Andrews was ready. They wanted

to make the change after that second penalty. For some reason, it wasn't

made and they have to go with the next scrum, so there was some

miscommunication down there, and Dan is going to be absolutely furious.

It is Alex Song Myhill who's making way. -- Aled Summerhill. Scott

Andrews, eventually on. In the meantime, Aled Summerhill has made

way. I would love to be a fly on the wall down down near the dugout. We

have seen no situations before. It is not good for the blood pressure,

I can tell you. Blues down to 14, defending a scrum which has been

increasingly under pressure. Well, Zebre suddenly found themselves a

scrum. REFEREE: Absolutely no need, lads. A

respected international about to come on and make a bit of a

difference. REFEREE: Crouch, bind, set. For

Zebre, Dries van Schalkwyk will want to keep the ball at his feet for as

long as possible. He could go again here. We certainly would give them a

warning. You have lost the bind and gone straight to ground. Let's work

in some discipline now. We need to see some improvement. OK? They will

be down to 13 if this continues. This is a big decision that Frank

Murphy has to make, for a young referee. He has to make those calls.

He has got his work cut out here. REFEREE: Crouch, bind, set. And this

time no doubt from Frank Murphy, as the Blues continued to fold under

pressure from the Zebre scrum, this straight beneath the posts for a

penalty try. And they are lucky that he hasn't gone for his pocket, as

well. Referees look at penalty tries to give the offender the yellow card

and Scott Andrews hadn't been given the original penalty before. And

they are chasing a bonus point, Zebre. We talked about them being

one point behind and there is only next week to play. We will see

exactly what happened because the team manager Gavin Cooper is now

with Phil. I don't think I have ever seen before. Explain what happened.

The officials were saying that we could not replace Filise with Scott

Andrews. Unfortunately he copped the yellow card at the same time. We

will have to dig deep for the next ten minutes. It has cost you, that

penalty try. The pressure has been on us since half-time. We have a

game on our hands and we need to respond in the right way. Thank you

for your time. No problem. Carlo Canna in trouble. And the Blues have

got a totally unexpected try! Tomos Williams. That is an absolute gift.

What is good to happen next? A real opportunist try. After all that

series of scrums. Filise does not look that impressed. But the Blues

have gone straight up the field and done a professional job, put the

pressure on and Tomos Williams, he has been lively today and has had a

good game so far, capitalising on that. Sometimes the kicker doesn't

pay attention. Alex Cuthbert right in his ways. Josh Navidi has been

excellent for this first hour. And they do make mistakes. Great

follow-up and a great try. It was such a sloppy pass from Mbanda. He

just chucked it away for Zebre, there. It was an opportunist try.

Sometimes you can get something out of nothing like that. Still thinking

about what was happening back here, I'm wondering what had happened, if

Filise had a back injury. Imagine that. 100% from Gareth and scum as

far as kicking goes. And that there a smile on Danny's phase. He knows

what a big boost this was. It is a bonus, isn't it? Great work.

Sometimes things don't require too much talent, just effort, and that

is what you got from Cuthbert, from Navidi and from Tomos Williams. They

got their reward and the Blues can relax a little bit now and try and

play a bit of rugby. Ceccarelli is off and the new scrum-half, Ponor

Thuney will be on. That could be the shot in the arm that the Blues

needed. -- Palazzani. Tomos Williams. He

fends off Carlo Canna, and what an individual score from Tomos Williams

to bring the Blues a bonus point! Magic! They are going to go upstairs

and for no other reason than to reward amazing skill, I hope that it

is a try. We will listen to Frank Murphy.

REFEREE: I want to check two things. That is OK. We will check the touch.

OK, Frank, we'll check the knock-on. Tomos Williams is just growing in

confidence every time he manages to get on the field. Interesting

selection tonight, but he has backed himself. Watching down this inside

left channel, he has backed himself for the ball in hand, switched

hands. Let's have a little look, here. There is a hint of a knock-on.

It is. I think they will give that. Yes, I think that is possibly the

angle, Frank. I'm just having a look.

There is only one conclusion that he can possibly come to. Picks it up.

It is on his knee, lands on his shin and it's the player on the ground on

the knee. Go back to the other angle... We will bring up that first

angle again. One more different angle as Dean Williams falls.

Sweetly on the first attempt. He scooped it up and got it. I think he

will be giving the knock-on. It looks forward from there and the

circumstances. That is so unlucky for Tomos Williams because it was a

brilliant bit of finishing. It is a shame. Watching that six times and

not getting the end product. Watch this young man. He switches it, he

is in the air. The finish was superb. He looks a bit cross. That

deserved the bonus point. But it is not going to get one.

REFEREE: Crouch, bind, set. Stay there, say square, stea Square. Will

you fancy going in from there, now? I'm not sure what the booing is

about from the home crowd. It is a very solid scrum.

That is one heck of a touch finder. Kicking at banana style, and it has

gone right in the corner, five metres out. Just watch him. He holds

it, comes across it, like a 4-iron, he slices it.

REFEREE: Ad vantage, advantage against Blues. Palazzani playing

advantage at the moment. And over they go. And the tries are reining

in at the moment and Maxine Mbanda gets his second for Zebre. It has

been that way for Zebre in the second half, all of this pressure

and points have come from the scrum. What it means as well is that more

tries have been scored this season in the Pro12 than in any other

season. Do you know what season held the record? I think it was 2004,

season. But records are there to be broken. It wasn't Carlo Canna, was

it? Looking sprightly, tonight. They have certainly got their tails up.

They had a penalty advantage, they got the rewards. And they are still

chasing this bonus point. Willis Halaholo gets the applause

from the crowd. Steve Shingler on in his place.

Corey Domachowski. Ellis Jenkins, brilliantly timed run. Tomos

Williams on his outside, waiting. Let's see if he can get a second

this time. Gareth Anscombe. Steve Shingler. Ellis Jenkins set them

going again. He struck straightaway last time. The Blues looking to do

the same again. Rey Lee-Lo. Macauley Cook. This is everybody but picked

up by Steve Shingler. Gareth Anscombe. Dario Chistolini with the

tackle. Kristian Dacey straightens up. Tried to force it back but well

worked by Tommaso Castello, captain of Zebre. You feel the Blues need to

hang onto the ball, go through phases, settle down and get their

shape again. Not get isolated. James Down in this case. Another good

touch kick. Lovely timing. Gareth Anscombe has challenged the line

tonight. Ellis Jenkins, a great game all round.

Aled Summerhill back onto the field, the Blues back up to 50 men. Let's

go down to the try line. The Premiership tomorrow, the build-up

is building nicely. Here are the fixtures. I will be at our GC,

looking forward to seeing the boys there. If you're stuck in traffic,

congratulations to the downside, they were promoted this week with

the win they had and they have gone up. Well done to them.

A potential no arms tackle somewhere along the way here. The crowd is

incensed. The referee was straight in.

REFEREE: back you go, captain, and just having a chat. We will check

the initial contact and if there is a reaction afterwards. I heard that.

We're looking at the initial contact and if there was any reaction. That

was a clumsy challenge. Bosna river 20 left his legs a little bit? Need

to have another look at that. Oh, there is a bit from Dario

Chistolini. Sion Bennett those in with a chop tackle, with no arms.

Dario Chistolini take the law into his own hands and a couple of swings

from that right arm. Definitely, the second one had a venom in it. Here

is the first thing around his neck. There is the retaliation. I think

we're going to have a street that card. He's only been on a matter of

seconds. All we need now is a streaker! We've had everything else.

REFEREE: blue 20. You ventured into that tackle with no arms, there was

velocity in it. Not good enough, it's a yellow card. OK? We've seen

the footage, it's not acceptable. That was a punch in the face, a

straight red card. An early night for Dario Chistolini. If you see it

again, Sion Bennett, technically, his head is below his hips. You

cannot then take the law into your own hands and punch somebody in the

face. It's a double whammy, really, because since Dario Chistolini has

been on, the scrum has been absolutely dominant. A rush of blood

from Dario Chistolini. He knew immediately what he had done. He

repented it straightaway. But that is too late. He is gone. The man

from South Africa will have to sit out the last quarter of an hour.

That is a shame to see something like that in the game. It has been

an entertaining game with the thrills and spills. Plenty of

incidents to talk about, that's for sure. A lot of headshaking going on

up there. Well, there's going to be a lot of wide-open space at their

now. 40 men. Matthew Morgan is going to get a chance to utilise that

space. Rhun Williams of again. Watch out for Matthew Morgan. Good hands

from Steve Schindler. Aled Summerhill tracking well.

Rey Lee-Lo. Nick Williams loses it and forward but the body spotted it.

Steve Shingler the Matthew Morgan. Good tackle. Macauley Cook. You

fancy the Blues to get this fourth try it now. 40 minutes is a long,

long time in professional rugby. Matthew Morgan. Macauley Cook on the

left wing. Scott Andrews. But, great work by Maxime Mbanda. Superb.

Edoardo Padovani is more than happy just to buying it down field.

They've been good over the ball, they run the gauntlet sometimes,

giving penalties away, but Maxime Mbanda in particular, I've been

really impressed with Federico Ruzza all over the place. Interceptions,

60 yard runs, tackles. He must have had a good shift in.

Joshua Furno is coming on. A lens has been dislodged. The

medics have to carry everything these days. Straighteners! REFEREE:

are you happy enough there? Game on. Some former players enjoying

themselves. Spills out of the tackle and the

second and the third. Brilliant ball. They needed to go wide. They

had a four on one on the outside. Choose the wrong option and it has

been their downfall all evening. They've shown real plans is, haven't

they? Really good stuff there. Edoardo Padovani, great play. Spins

away and misses another tackle from James Down. Dudley at the side.

Edoardo Padovani. The decision-making, the object taking

really let him down. Kirby Myhill will have a dozen

minutes and we will see what difference the seven men in that

scrum make for the Zebre because they will really take control of

that passage of play before Dario Chistolini literally saw red.

Guillermo Roan has come on and we presume he is stronger on the

loosehead. Dario Chistolini was a tight head. Theocracy can play both

sides but we will see now. Well, he's got seven caps for Argentina so

he will enjoy a scrum, that's for sure.

Gareth Anscombe finds that of space. And finds the ball back in his

hands. So does Aled Summerhill excitedly but then loses it.

REFEREE: White, number ten. Edoardo Padovani has gone to outside-half.

Kurt Baker on Attenborough 15. But this Joshua Furno. Tommaso

Castello is in there, the captain, amongst those forwards. There he

goes. Almost unseen among the forwards. That was a hospital pass

the Joshua Furno. Gideon Koegelenberg.

Maxime Mbanda biding his time, waiting for this moment.

It is slow but steady from the Zebre. Oh, until that wild pass. It

is going to go anywhere. If you are a Zebre supporter, they just need to

bide their time and score a try. A huge moment for them, could put them

back in bonus point territory. Edoardo Padovani with a thumping

tackle. Andrea Lovotti. 15 phases they've kept the ball. They know

they lost it momentarily but they're building it back again. Very, very

slow. They know. REFEREE: advantage over. Bike goes Eduardo Bada

Edoardo Padovani again. Picture by Gideon Koegelenberg. Tommaso

D'Apice. Certainly a live wire, this release and hooker. Replacements

have made a difference, haven't they? They've been lively,

particularly in the set piece. Only one place they're going here, there

are going to rely on a driving maul, they're going to try and get right

in the corner and keep giving themselves a chance. They will need

seven points. If one point at the moment behind Treviso. They played

in next week in the final game in their battle for the Italians but

Champions Cup. This is why Zebre are still up for it at the moment.

Matteo Pratichetti comes into midfield. Zebre need the big

advantage now before Sion Bennett comes back on.

Tommaso Castello was right up to the try line. Maxime Mbanda driven back.

"A second. Has another go at it. So determined from the blindside. Told

to get their hands off the ball. Tommaso D'Apice. So close. Right on

the try line. Well, it's just a mess at the

moment. Slightly overcooked it but they will get a scrum. Pick the

bones over that one. I think it might have been Nick Williams who

put his body right across everything. The one difference being

that now, the Blues are back up to 15 players.

With the Dario Chistolini of the field, the scrum was so dominant.

But a crucial scrum is is for a Zebre now. And he's off the field.

A big round of applause for the departing Tomos Williams, denied a

second try and a bonus point which the Blues still haven't got. Lloyd

Williams is on to see the job finished. Tommaso Castello packing

down on the blindside. The scrum, a major part of the Zebre armoury.

Throughout the second half but now they are struggling.

Although Pietro Ceccarelli is warming up, he wants to get back on

the pitch. Down they go. The referee wants them to play it. Nick Williams

make sure he doesn't get very far. Tommaso Castello, he has tried

everything as a skipper tonight. Tommaso D'Apice very close again.

Guglielmo Palazzani has a go. Now, just short. Maxime Mbanda. Over from

close range last time. Not this time. The hint of a knock but play

goes on. Andries Van Schalkwyk get over the try line but again, superb

defending by the Cardiff Blues to keep them out. Well, great defence

from the Blues. So close to the line. They're putting their bodies

on the line both sets of players, and they right underneath. Aled

Summerhill get right underneath the ball, tries to stretch out and Nick

Williams again, he's a Wrecking Ball even without the ball. It's about

getting your body in the weights of the TMO cannot see it, that's what

that is about export! Your choice from another match?

There has not been one outstanding players. Nick Williams, Gareth

Anscombe. For me, I'm going to give it to Tomos Williams at nine. Superb

effort all round from him. Six servers, a live wire and he should

have had a second try but for a logon. Some blends. He is one to

watch for the future. He can do things like this so I would expect

him to have more game time and really push Lloyd Williams. Lloyd

Williams, look out, Tomos Williams is my man of the match. He did

everything he could. That slight knock-on from Nick

Williams denied Tomos Williams the try and the Blues the bonus point.

Unless they get all the way down the field in the remaining minutes and

three quarters. Guglielmo Palazzani weights. It is not coming. It is

coming for the Blues. He gets there this time, does the? Yes, he does.

It is the Zebre who are salivating the third try and a conversion to

take them to a bonus point. Well, it's been a concerted effort by that

Zebre pack and Andries Van Schalkwyk marks his return with a fifth try of

the season. This time, he was just too strong, despite the best efforts

of Aled Summerhill. Experience and strength from Andries Van Schalkwyk.

Nick Williams and Aled Summerhill were there but this time, the South

African born Italian cap number eight gets the ball to the ground.

A very important kick, this one for Guglielmo Palazzani. He struck it

well. That is a superb kick and the Zebre bench are the limiting because

as things stand, but has won them a bonus point and has put them level

on points for the season with their rivals of chorizo. -- Treviso.

Superb strike. Nerves of steel. From Guglielmo Palazzani. Now they need

to hang out one more phase. The Blues need to get their hands on the

ball one more time to try and get an unlikely bonus point from what

seemed like a nailed on bonus point at one stage. Maxime Mbanda. Well,

do they hang on to the bonus point, or they try to go for the win? A

converted try it would give them the most unlikely win ever. Only one win

in 19 in Wales. It came here in Cardiff. Gideon Koegelenberg.

Guglielmo Palazzani. A40. Matteo Pratichetti. Neither side

once the ball to go dead. They both have their own reasons for playing

on. Bar a mistake, it could be a long night. Eduardo part Vanni gets

the return ball. But bigger with a half brick. He is still going, all

the way up to the 22. Great tackle, the Morgan. What drama right at the

end of the Arms Park. Zebre are in with a chance of winning this one.

Maxime Mbanda now. It's all hands in defence of the Blues. James Down

wraps around the tackle but Maxime Mbanda sticks it around again.

Joshua Furno. The ball, was it forward? No. Play on, city

officials. The Blues continue under pressure and Zebre keep on building.

The penalty, though, for crossing, goes against them and mighty relief

for the Blues fans and players in the end. Gareth Anscombe will put

the ball out of play and the Blues finish at home on a winning note.

It's just a matter now of whether they go to France or in the England

a play-off with the Champions Cup next year. It is the tenth win of

the season for the Blues but they had to work hard and they had to dig

in against the Zebre who got away with a bonus point. Three tries

apiece, it ended. The Cardiff Blues, victorious, by 30 - 20 format.

They finish at home with a win. The skipper, Ellis Jenkins, is now

talking to fill. Hanging on their habit, how much credit you have to

give the Zebre? We knew they would ring that up front. This book is

half time about how we needed to step up a level. Fortunately we

managed to play into their hands and me it a tough game they wanted. Good

luck on that play-off game and fingers crossed for that as well.

Frustrating is broadly the words isn't it? Five minutes ago, we were

stood at the bottom of the pitch saying the result was never in doubt

is the performance overall. At last five minutes, the result was very

much in doubt? Until Matthew Morgan dragged Kurt down. In terms of next

time, it is one more game for each but for Zebre, they go ahead of

Treviso in the race that Italian slot. As last week and will be

fantastic. That's what it's all about and that is why the play-offs

are there and the European jump and cup places so fair play to Zebre,

they deserved for their second-half performance. The keys with a scrum

but the Blues got the win and they can look forward to a play-off. They

got that guaranteed anyway, the Blues, whether they finish seventh

or eight. Eight will defend on whether they play a French side or

fingers side and we will now next week and when super Saturday takes

place. That is all we have time for the night, it is congratulations the

Blues, they have clung on by the skin of their teeth to be the Zebre

the night. We have a big area tomorrow and of course, next