BLUES coach Danny Wilson has told his charges they need to be on top form for their Saturday evening clash with a “dangerous” Toyota Cheetahs outfit.
Separated by just one place, both sides are still in the running for a Pro 14 quarter-final berth.
A closer look at the table is more revealing. The Blues are 15 points behind the Cheetahs; they have also scored fewer tries and picked up fewer bonus points than the men from Bloemfontein.
Although the Blues have won plaudits for their attempts to play more expansive rugby this season, defence remains an issue.
Shipping 42 points against a London Irish side anchored to the foot of the English Premiership will worry coach Danny Wilson – particularly given how close the match was at half-time.
Seb Davies’ try was not enough to prevent a 21 point loss against London Irish. Photo: Cardiff Blues
When Cardiff have come unstuck this season, it has been against pacey backs.
Wilson is well-aware of the Cheetahs’ prowess in that department: “They are an extremely dangerous team who play a really high tempo, pretty loose brand of rugby and they have a back three who are really dangerous.”
They will need to watch out for Makazole Mapimi, the top try-scorer in the Pro 14, who has nine to his name so far.
The Cheetahs must deal with a different type of indiscipline, however. They have picked up nine yellow cards in 13 games, five of which have come in their previous two matches.
With a solitary win on the road so far in the Pro 14, the Cheetahs will be set on showing Northern hemisphere pundits that they are better travellers than many give them credit for.
Kick-off: 7.45pm
