It could be said that the parting of the rain clouds after half time pre-empted CardiffÔÇÖs victory against Toulon – four words that I never expected to type.
Finally, a victory indicated signs of development. The defence managed to maintain its line and the turnstile tackling of Sandy Park had dissipated, keeping the likes of Matt Giteau and Maxime Mermoz under wraps – could this be the future without former defensive coach Rob Powell?
The lineout was strong against a wobbly Toulon, but the scrum is still a weak point. The victory came at a price, though, as Alex Cuthbert was subbed at half time with a torn ankle ligament that will keep him out for a long period of time.
Beyond the dressing room, players like Robin Copeland and  Lions captain Sam Warburton are starting to stick up for Phil Davies after fans have quite rightly been upset with present form. Whether or not this is the club line is debatable as rumours of players abruptly leaving training are also circulating. Nevertheless, the win against European champions Toulon has undoubtedly raised his profile, after a week where chairman Richard Holland cut Powell from the coaching staff.
Pontypridd head coach, Dale McIntosh, already working with the Blues part-time, was swiftly recruited to replace Powell. With a superb record at Pontypridd and stern attitude to match, it could be what the Blues defence has needed.
Iestyn Harris, Mark Ring, Henry Paul and one other, who make up the team replacing backs coach Gareth Baber, are a less than exciting. I donÔÇÖt believe that there is enough there to dictate how the BluesÔÇÖ back line should function. Ring has spent time with the backs during his part-time stay, although there has not been a visible improvement since he was appointed. The Blues need someone able to embed confidence in the backs, ensuring that they donÔÇÖt panic under pressure and kick possession away, two issues that they have struggled with all season.
Matthew Walsh
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