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Blues delighted at Toulon scalp

Blues delighted at Toulon scalp

Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Phil Davies had nothing but praise for his side after they shocked defending champions Toulon in the Heineken Cup.

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The respective boots of Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Patchell and a late try from replacement Gareth Davies secured a famous 19-15 win at a jubilant Cardiff Arms Park. 

It meant the Blues bounced back from their opening defeat to Exeter in style.

“We knew we were going in the right direction and the players were magnificent,” said Davies.

“We know how we can play and that was more like what we are trying to achieve going forward.

“We were disappointed with our first half last week but what we did do was show some resilience and character in the second half. That bonus point looks pretty good today.

“That was perhaps the youngest back line we have ever put on the field so it was quite a testament to the players and to the regional pathway.”

Davies fielded a strong side against Toulon with Lions Leigh Halfpenny, Sam Warburton and Alex Cuthbert all starting. In a see saw encounter, the boot of the relentlessly accurate Jonny Wilkinson brought Toulon back into the game before Davies won it for the Blues.

“Gareth showed a lot of guts to move the ball, we put a decoy pass in and he was through,” said Davies.

“I thought he got tackled but I was delighted and I’m sure over 10,000 people were pleased too.

“He is a good little player for us and does a great job so I am pleased for him.

“Gareth works hard and doesn’t always get the game time but he is a great team man and today I was confident putting him on because I knew he would attack the line.”

On the Blues’ hopes for the rest of the Heineken Cup, Davies added: “We have five points which is pleasing and we have got to gradually build and be more consistent.

“What we are chasing is consistency. If we can produce something like that every week and be more accurate and efficient, it will be great.”

Dale McIntosh, who is joining the Blues as their new defence coach, was similarly effusive in his praise for the region.

“You might think I’m stupid but I’m not surprised at the result,” he said.

“I know Toulon are a great side but at the end of the day, we targeted a win and that’s exactly what we got.

“I was lucky enough to do a bit with them in the week and I asked the guys what their main focus was. The biggest thing was learning from Exeter, knowing it wasn’t acceptable and understanding the jersey they’re representing.” 

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