We must cut out our mistakes, says Mulvihill
CARDIFF Blues coach John Mulvihill says his side must cut their errors if they are to get back on the winning trail.
The region fell to their third defeat in a row in foggy Edinburgh, losing 18-0 as their hosts drew level on points in Conference B.
Mulvihill was proud of his pack’s effort in the encounter, but admits the foggy conditions made it tricky at Murrayfield.
“Our game management wasn’t what it should’ve been. Our forwards worked extremely hard to keep us in the contest,” said the head coach afterwards.
“But there were a few unforced errors, kicks out on the full and not managing penalty advantages, and that really cost us tonight, especially against a team who came out committed and came out to play really well.
“It will be a straight-forward game to review. The forwards played exceptionally well, and in the setpiece and defence they were excellent.
“But I don’t think our game drivers kept the ball in front of them very well and our execution on our phase play needs a fair bit of attention, so there will be a fair bit of homework for the backs this week.
“The fog floated around for most of the day, and in the first half the viewing was OK.
“But, by half-time, you couldn’t see one half of the pitch, and that same would’ve been true when the ball was in the air.
“We had to be on the sideline, where you could only see half the pitch, because we couldn’t see anything from the stand.
“Unfortunately for us, the play was mostly on the other side of the pitch, so that might make it difficult to review and I’m sure it would’ve been frustrating for people watching back home.”
Next up for Cardiff Blues is a home clash against Benetton Rugby at Rodney Parade on Monday (7.45pm).
Mulvihill added: “We need to improve every week, but tonight was a bit of a blip on where we’re headed.
“We gave ourselves a chance in the contest, but we weren’t able to finish that off. It’s about moving on very quickly and not dwelling on it.
“It’s about fixing the areas that need to be fixed and get back into the ring circle as quickly as possible.”