Coach Andi Kyriacou hailed the impact of the young guns in the Cardiff Blues squad for helping ignite a remarkable comeback against Wasps in the LV=Cup in Coventry on Sunday afternoon.
Blues battled back from 42-17 down to emerge 45-42 winners in remarkable scenes with four tries in the final half hour – including an injury time winner from lock Miles Normandale.
Kyriacou praised the spirit in the Blues squad as they hit back – in similar style to the win over Newcastle – to remain undefeated and top of Pool 2 with one game remaining.
And he pinpointed the performances of the likes of Liam Belcher, Dillon Lewis, Brad Thyer, Jordan Viggers and Ben Roach who came off the bench to help turn the tide.
He said: “We were really disappointed with the way we played first half. Similar to the Newcastle game, at half-time we had to emphasise the detail that we had been working on and make sure the attitude was right.
“It was up to the players how the second half would go. I just want to give the young guys that came off the bench a shout out – they were all excellent and added tempo in the second half.
“They spurred on the guys that were lagging a little bit. I haven’t got enough good words for the impact that those young lads made.
“It wasn’t a kicking and screaming match in the dressing room at half-time,” he added. “We just made sure that our work rate was better in the second half. The first half was lazy and we needed to make sure they knew that.
“We showed in fits and starts, when we controlled the ball and carried hard we looked dangerous. When we generated quick ball we got in behind them and that’s where the comeback came from.”
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