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Hammett welcomes European distraction

Hammett welcomes European distraction

Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Mark Hammett has welcomed the dawn of the European Rugby Challenge Cup after their miserable PRO12 start.

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The BT Sport Arms Park region slipped to their fourth defeat in six games at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday after the Ospreys triumphed 26-15 in the regional derby. The Blues welcome Grenoble to the Welsh capital on Saturday as they embark on their Challenge Cup Pool One campaign.

Hammett said: “I hope Europe is good for us and a refreshing challenge for us all. I think the Grenoble game is an opportunity for us. I have seen teams go through hard patches, as we are, and you put in a good performance and get a win, then grind another one and all of a sudden you get back on track quickly. That is sport and that is something we need to prepare for next week.”

The Ospreys stifled the Blues’ attacking intent as they took a grip on territory and possession in Swansea. But Hammett is certain that they can turn their early season fortunes around in the Challenge Cup, where they will also come up against London Irish and Rovigo Rugby.

He said: “There are a few things that we are not far off, we have seen that when we do get territory and do get possession we are hard to stop at times. We score some nice tries and we pressure teams with our width and speed of play.

“From what I have seen of Grenoble, they are typical French. They are big, strong and at times they run when you think they will kick and then kick when you think they will run. That unpredictability makes them a very dangerous side.

“They play with real intensity and physicality so it will be a challenge. But it will be great to be back in Cardiff and in front of our fans after a spell away.”

 

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