Posted by As the season drew to a close on Friday there was just time for an individual honour to reach a member of the Cardiff Blues squad, with Alex Cuthbert reaching 100 appearances for Wales’ Capital Region.
This may come as a surprise for some people as it feels like Cuthy has been around for quite a long time. Indeed, it is almost six years since the winger made his try scoring debut against Treviso, and at 27 he seems relatively old to be entering the 100 club when you consider he’s been at the region his whole career.
However, such was the meteoric rise of Cuthbert, he was making his Wales debut after just eight first team Cardiff Blues appearances, and we all know how often we find ourselves without our Team Wales players during the international windows.
45 Wales caps and 15 Wales tries later, as well as a solitary B&I Lions cap and try, he has still managed to ably represent the Blues though, never making less than double figures in appearances and scoring 44 tries along the way, behind only Tom James in the post-2003 stats.
Those tries have certainly made Cuthbert an Arms Park favourite, but in recent months he has taken considerable strides to elevate himself towards legendary status.
It all started with his most recent Welsh cap in the Six Nations defeat to England. The fallout from a missed tackle towards the end of the match was vitriolic and entirely unfair, however, the way the winger bounced back from that was absolutely superb.
Defence
Starting with the area of his game that has often come under such scrutiny, but these last few weeks has been one of his greatest assets. Rewind to the away game in Ulster and, up against Charles Piutau who had set Europe alight with Wasps last season, he was on top form.
Two potentially try saving tackles showing off not only his defensive work, but also the out-and-out pace he possesses for a man standing at 6ft6 and weighing over 16st. Against Zebre he used that frame to full effect to deny the Italians an almost certain try.
To hold man and ball up from that possession is an almost unbelievable piece of play, but it goes to show the all-round game he can count on, underpinned by a fantastic work rate.
Grafting
It’s that work rate which has really seen the Cardiff fans get behind Cuthbert in such a vocal way these last few months. All we really demand is 100% effort in the blue shirt, and that’s precisely what #THEBIGHORSE has offered.
From chasing down kick-offs and causing havoc…
…to fielding long kicks and getting us back on the front foot…
…and sticking his head in where it hurts, Alex Cuthbert has lead by example with his excellent work ethic and dedication to the cause.
Attack
Finally, onto Cuthy’s bread and butter, going forward. Three tries in nine games is not a particularly stand out record in itself, but he’s offered so much more than just going over the line.
Cardiff Blues have had no trouble creating line breaks for most of this season, but converting them to scores has been a big issue. Cuthbert breaks that mould though with excellent awareness and handling on the move, with one try created and a further chance only stopped by an early tackle on Tomos Williams.
Even when he’s not fashioning line breaks he’s still making yards though…
It’s a real trademark Cuthbert line to come from the blindside of the scrum half, but it works so effectively thanks to his pace, power and dedication. Add in some mega fends and he’s a carrying machine. This works well when he has possession, and is now even a weapon when he’s not…
Just watch the Ulster inside centre plant is feet and focus entirely on Cuthbert on that classic line, while completely ignoring Rey Lee-Lo running from out-to-in and heading straight through the vacant space. Great play from Gareth Anscombe and the Samoan, but a try not possible without #THEBIGHORSE, who doesn’t mind a try of his own…
One try off his favourite line, one showing off the pace, and another from pure power and desire. A confident and in-form Alex Cuthbert really is a top class winger.
So it’s a big congratulations to #THEBIGHORSE on joining the 100 club at Cardiff Blues, and here’s to many more caps and tries!
Cardiff Rugby Life 