Cardiff Blues ended their Heineken Cup campaign on a positive note, running in
three tries to one to avenge their defeat at Sale before Christmas.
Nicky Robinson, standing in for the injured Iestyn Harris, controlled matters
behind a hard-working pack and played a significant role in the two opening
tries.
With the backing of a gale-force wind off the swollen river Taff, Sale
dominated the early exchanges - with only stout Blues defence, assisted by the
handling errors inevitable in filthy conditions, keeping them at bay.
But it was the home side who took the lead after 13 minutes on their first
foray into the Sale half.
Fly-half Robinson knifed through to feed brother Jamie, who linked with centre
Tom Shanklin to send full-back Rhys Williams racing beneath the posts. The try's
architect Robinson converted.
The Sharks immediately restored the pressure, however, and were rewarded when
lively hooker Jonny Rodham burst from a maul five yards out. Braam van Straaten
added the extra points.
Despite the continuing territorial domination of the visitors, it was the
Blues who scored again before the break.
Once more it was Nicky Robinson who created the score - with an inch-perfect
cross kick, gathered on the right touchline by Rhys Williams and passed inside
for Jamie Robinson to cross.
Nicky was wide with the conversion, but Cardiff held on for a somewhat
surprising half-time lead.
A magnificent break by Rhys Williams brought the Blues' third try, the Wales
international racing 60 yards from deep in his own half and kicking ahead for
Craig Morgan to chase.
The wing was pulled back by opposite number James Hoyle - and Irish referee
David McHugh, handling a record 27th Heineken Cup tie, awarded a penalty try
which Nicky Robinson improved.
He added a 40-yard penalty which prompted Sale to introduce England World Cup
winner Jason Robinson.
Blues substitute Ken Fourie was given a yellow card after a touch-judge
spotted an infringement. But Sale were unable to capitalise on the extra man,
and Cardiff finished comfortable winners.
Teams:
Cardiff Blues: R. Williams, Walne, J. Robinson, Shanklin,
Morgan, N. Robinson, Powell, Yapp, G. Williams, Evans,
Quinnell, A. Moore, Appleyard, Sowden-Taylor, N. Thomas.
Not Used: Allen, A. Moore, Crompton, Fourie, Senekal,
R. Thomas, Malpas.
Tries: Penalty, R. Williams, J. Robinson.
Cons: N. Robinson 2.
Pens: N. Robinson.
Sale: Going, Hoyle, van Straaten, Mayor, Hanley, Baxendell,
Wigglesworth, Stewart, Roddam., Turner, Day, Schofield, Lloyd,
Sanderson, Lund.
Not Used: Robinson, Kyracou, Cairns, Yates, C. Jones, White.
Tries: Roddam.
Cons: van Straaten.
Att: 5,000
Ref: David McHugh (Ireland).
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