News

Young's Test stars eager for more action

December 04 2008

Despite coming back into the Cardiff Blues squad on the back of a tough Test series Dai Young's Wales stars are eager to get back into action against Biarritz on Friday.

Five of Young's Blues squad played central roles in Wales' 21-18 victory over Australia on Saturday, although the loss of Jamie Roberts was a blow to Young's plans for a crucial period in the club's season.

Added to that, Gethin Jenkins is a major doubt for Friday's Arms Park clash, having picked up neck and shoulder injuries whilst on duty for Wales. As if that wasn't bad enough Young has had to contend with the possibility of missing Tom Shanklin and Martyn Williams, leaving Andy Powell as the only certainty to play.

Rising star Leigh Halfpenny, who was dropped from the squad for Wales' fourth and final game, should also be available.

Despite the injuries Young has revealed how all of his Test stars are eager to get straight back into action, and Young knows he can ill-afford to be without them.

"The Wales players are coming back battered, bruised and certainly mentally and physically drained," Young told The Western Mail.

"But they all desperately want to play in this game.

"They were a big part of our efforts prior to the internationals. They helped us get where we are now after a good start in the Heineken Cup.

"With respect, if it was Connacht away, they would all be having a rest. That would be the ideal scenario for the returning internationals.

"But the Heineken Cup is obviously a huge part of every region or club's rugby calendar. So the option of a rest really isn't on the table."

Young believes those internationals who do return will not only bring a physical edge to the side, but will also boost the mental state of the squad. Having gone down 28-0 in their last outing, to Glasgow, the Blues will be looking to return to winning ways against the Top 14 side.

Wales' victory against Australia, according to Young, should serve as a huge confidence booster for all four Welsh regions.

For the Blues in particular, Young is hoping the returning players' confidence will spread through the rest of the team. And he is confident everyone will benefit from their experiences over the past month.

"They're returning on the back of a really good performance and a great win," he said.

"So they are certainly all coming back with a smile on their face and a spring in their step.

"It's always much easier when they return on a positive note. If they come back after a couple of disappointments and losses, that can carry over.

"But after their last three performances, that confidence and feel-good factor should go right through Welsh rugby. We have certainly shown that we have closed the gap on the big guns and it's a real shot in the arm for everybody."

Having seen his side slump to that 28-0 defeat in Scotland, Young read the riot act, and his players know they can't afford a repeat performance, or their push for the Heineken Cup knock-out stages could be in jeopardy.

A fine start to their campaign saw them pick up bonus-point wins away to Calvisano and at home to Gloucester, and a third win this weekend will see them in full control of the Pool.

And Young knows the importance of continuing their European form.

"We have got to pick up where we left off before the international break," he said.

"Otherwise we'll be on a very slippery slope in this competition.

"Last weekend's performance was by far the worst of our season and hugely disappointing.

"So we have had a really hard look at ourselves and we all realise that another performance like that will not be good enough this week."