Gareth Anscombe insists Cardiff Blues can thrive on their underdog status and cause a shock against Saracens in the Heineken Champions Cup.
The Blues travel to face the English giants on Sunday and will come up against one of Europe’s in form sides. Not only do they boast a glut of international stars but are unbeaten in the current season.
Anscombe, who returns to the starting line-up and pulls on the number 10 jersey, is acutely aware of Saracens’ quality but is quietly confident that Wales’ Capital Region can upset the odds if they perform to the best of their ability.
He said: “They’re a pretty well drilled side. They’re well coached, full of Lions and are a fairly big side with an experienced pack.
“We will have to be smart in the way we try to attack them because their defence speaks for itself, it’s one of the best in the Premiership, and they are disciplined and patient in the way they kick.
“It’s a big challenge for us as a team but one we are looking forward to and we will have to be on our mettle. We know we’re underdogs and that’s fine by us.
“We can sit here and talk all day long about how good Sarries are… undefeated, a team full of England internationals and five or six Lions but at the end of the day they are 15 men with two arms and two legs and they have their off days as well.
“No doubt they will underestimate us but we have talked about making sure we throw a few punches out there and aren’t afraid to have a good crack.
“If we play to our potential we are certainly capable of getting a result and that is the belief we have within the group.”
Anscombe, who started three of Wales four matches in an autumn clean sweep, will go up against England’s Owen Farrell at Allianz Park and he will form a new look partnership with Jarrod Evans at inside centre.
Anscombe continued: “Owen has been a big part of Saracens for the last couple of years, the England set-up as well, and everyone know how much of a competitor he is.
“Everyone likes to look at these match ups but the reality is you don’t really get too much of a chance to have a go at each other. We’re all aware of Owen’s strengths and we need to try to nullify that.
“It is exciting and a little bit different but at this time of the season we have some bumps and bruises and it’s a chance for us to get both of us on the field.
“It’s something we haven’t done before with us playing 10 and 12 so it will take a little bit of time but it’s a good challenge and hopefully we can get on the ball a bit more and play with two first receivers - that will be key against a team like Saracens. Hopefully we can bring the best out of each other and work as a combination which grows moving ahead.”
Cardiff Blues welcome Saracens to the Arms Park in the return fixture on Saturday, December 15. Limited tickets remain for the encounter and can be purchased online here.
Gareth Anscombe insists Cardiff Blues can thrive on their underdog status and cause a shock against Saracens in the Heineken Champions Cup.
The Blues travel to face the English giants on Sunday and will come up against one of Europe’s in form sides. Not only do they boast a glut of international stars but are unbeaten in the current season.
Anscombe, who returns to the starting line-up and pulls on the number 10 jersey, is acutely aware of Saracens’ quality but is quietly confident that Wales’ Capital Region can upset the odds if they perform to the best of their ability.
He said: “They’re a pretty well drilled side. They’re well coached, full of Lions and are a fairly big side with an experienced pack.
“We will have to be smart in the way we try to attack them because their defence speaks for itself, it’s one of the best in the Premiership, and they are disciplined and patient in the way they kick.
“It’s a big challenge for us as a team but one we are looking forward to and we will have to be on our mettle. We know we’re underdogs and that’s fine by us.
“We can sit here and talk all day long about how good Sarries are… undefeated, a team full of England internationals and five or six Lions but at the end of the day they are 15 men with two arms and two legs and they have their off days as well.
“No doubt they will underestimate us but we have talked about making sure we throw a few punches out there and aren’t afraid to have a good crack.
“If we play to our potential we are certainly capable of getting a result and that is the belief we have within the group.”
Anscombe, who started three of Wales four matches in an autumn clean sweep, will go up against England’s Owen Farrell at Allianz Park and he will form a new look partnership with Jarrod Evans at inside centre.
Anscombe continued: “Owen has been a big part of Saracens for the last couple of years, the England set-up as well, and everyone know how much of a competitor he is.
“Everyone likes to look at these match ups but the reality is you don’t really get too much of a chance to have a go at each other. We’re all aware of Owen’s strengths and we need to try to nullify that.
“It is exciting and a little bit different but at this time of the season we have some bumps and bruises and it’s a chance for us to get both of us on the field.
“It’s something we haven’t done before with us playing 10 and 12 so it will take a little bit of time but it’s a good challenge and hopefully we can get on the ball a bit more and play with two first receivers - that will be key against a team like Saracens. Hopefully we can bring the best out of each other and work as a combination which grows moving ahead.”
Cardiff Blues welcome Saracens to the Arms Park in the return fixture on Saturday, December 15. Limited tickets remain for the encounter and can be purchased online here.