View from the South Terrace: Perpignan

Do I just copy and paste the View from the South Terrace that was written after the Lyon game? It wouldn’t be an exact replica of how Cardiff played in Perpignan on the weekend, but it wouldn’t be far off!

Another trip to France resulting in a bonus point loss which could, and maybe should, have been a victory.

There’s a few themes emerging from this latest game that will be a worry for Matt Sherratt moving forward. The Blue & Blacks are still developing as a squad, and learning how to win tight games, but making the same errors over and over again isn’t particularly helpful on that front.

As a starter for ten – turning the ball over from kick-off immediately after scoring. On Saturday, after Rey Lee-Lo had got us back into the game with a try, Josh McNally and Alex Mann were immediately turned over on reception of the kick-off and then, when Tinus De Beer had closed the gap off the tee, the subsequent kick-off was not even touched by a Cardiff hand as the hosts claimed it unopposed.

These lapses of concentration are a major reason in the Blue & Blacks failing to stay on top of games for long periods, and really building any momentum beyond 10 minute bursts. Retain possession on both those occasions, with the wind at our backs and a spring in our step, and we can push on to take control of proceedings. As it was Perpignan were able to keep their noses in front.

Then a bonus for five – or not as it turns out – is Cardiff’s lack of plan B when the redzone attack falters. The French side, as you might expect, were large and physical on Saturday. They battered us back around the fringes, put pressure on our attacking breakdown and stood firm when defending the driving maul. There was very little change to get out of them in the tight all afternoon.

The Blue & Blacks were unable to get past, repeatedly bouncing off the Perpignan defensive wall with pick-and-go’s or little pop passes from the base to an upright carrier. There was little innovation, little desire to challenge a midfield that wasn’t the strongest defensively, and not enough control to prevent us from being turned over on the floor.

Particularly frustrating was that immediately after the frailty of that home midfield had been displayed and fly-half Jake McIntyre sent to the sin bin after being forced into slapping the ball down to prevent a line break in the wide channel, Cardiff kicked to the corner and opted for a catch-and-drive. The backs flooded in, no progress was made and we conceded the ball without targeting a 6v7 out wide.

Food for thought for the coaching ticket, while there is also a learning opportunity around the team selection specific to this game.

Jockey took the opportunity to select a much-changed team, which made sense in terms of giving players a rest on the back of a busy festive period and with a tough Six Nations camp on the horizon, as well as getting minutes to players who perhaps haven’t been on the field as much as they would like.

However, the flip side to that is you end up with players lacking match sharpness, cohesion in certain areas and more prone to injury. Take the 10/12 combo of De Beer and Rory Jennings, for example. Neither had been in a matchday 23 together prior to Saturday, and had only started three games between them.

As a result it’s no surprise that they didn’t quite click with each other and those around them in the back line, and that the South African fly-half departed with a nasty looking injury late on. If Cardiff want to be in a position to rest and rotate personnel then giving the whole squad more regular minutes off the bench is required to ensure they’re ready to come in and start.

Of course that’s easier said then done when operating under the current budget and squad strength-in-depth limits, but once again is something for Jockey & co to consider. It was not all doom and gloom though, far from it. There was a lot to like individually from two players at either ends of their respective careers.

Rhys Barratt made his first competitive start for Cardiff and showed off his potential during what will have been a great experience for him. The aforementioned Perpignan pack was dominant, but Barratt battled at scrum time all afternoon up against Nemo Roelofse, a South African tighthead who has racked up over 150 appearances across the Top14 and ProD2, and helped win two penalties.

He also made 8 tackles and 8 carries as he got through a good amount of work around the field. At just 22-years-old he’s still got plenty of development time ahead of him, although he may be exposed to more first team rugby across the next few weeks if Corey Domachowski’s injury keeps him sidelined.

Then on the other end of the scale 38-year-old Rey Lee-Lo was imperious at outside centre. Nine carries, a try assist, a try of his own and a defensive performance during which he had to mark half the field at points, he showed off all his quality and class. Despite his advancing age he is arguably more important to Cardiff now than he has ever been.

So a frustrating one in Perpignan, but no rush to get to panic stations yet. Attention now turns to Friday night and the hosting of Connacht with our Challenge Cup ambitions of a home knockout game still very much in our own hands.

With the Welsh internationals likely to come back in as Cardiff field a 23 as close to full strength as possible, a performance is due at the Arms Park and a bonus point win should lead to the much-needed home round of 16 game. Get down to support the boys in what should be a great game as fixtures against Connacht tend to be.

#TrustTheProcess