The once-capped Wales star returned to regional action a week after making his Test debut against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium. But the giant wing couldn’t prevent Dai Young’s side slumping to their third successive league defeat as the Blues lost further ground in the title race.
Try-scorer Maama Molitika was yellow carded midway through the second period as the Blues surrendered a 14-point advantage and Roberts insists the players only have themselves to blame.
“We were in control at half time and spoke about being more clinical with our chances but in the second half we did the complete opposite – we’ve thrown it away,” said Roberts.
“We didn’t continue our good work and weren’t clinical enough with the chances that came our way. And in the end, ill discipline cost us and a guy like (Felipe) Contepomi wasn’t going to miss penalties from those distances.”
Roberts immediately imposed his 6ft 5ins and 18st frame on the Leinster defence with a flurry of strong ball carries as the visitors flew quickest out of the traps.
And the Test rookie believes the opening half was as good as the Blues have produced during the current campaign. “We got off to a great start and played really well – that was the best half of rugby we’ve played this season.
“We hadn’t played together for a month but we were clinical, controlled the game and then slowed the game down when we needed to and took our chances. But we didn’t box clever enough in the second half and it’s disappointing to do that in a match that could potentially decide the league.
“They didn’t win it, I felt we lost it. But it’s a collective responsibility that we must share and we need to go back to the drawing board this week.”
It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for the 21-year-old medical student in the past fortnight. After the ultimate high of winning his first cap against the Scots, Warren Gatland brought Roberts straight back down to earth by omitting him for Wales’s RBS Six Nations clash against Italy next Saturday.
Roberts said, “I’m learning the hard way about the highs and lows. I was on cloud nine against Scotland but then had the ultimate low with the selection on Tuesday. I was devastated not to be picked again.
“But that’s the way the cookie crumbles and rugby is all about the highs and lows. I know I’ve got to keep my chin up because that’s the way it goes and I fully understand the reasons why I didn’t get another chance.”
