Young guns show future looks bright, believes Dai

DAI Young was delighted to see his rising stars shine in Cardiff’s 42-14 bonus-point win over Zebre on Friday.

The Arms Park side’s finishing backline in the final home game of the season had an average age of just over 23, with the likes of Theo Cabango, Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas and Ellis Bevan all featuring.

“It was great to see the backline that finished. We had a really young backline and obviously they really enjoyed that experience,” said Young.

“That could be a sign of what could happen in the next two seasons with the boys coming through.

“Max was really efficient all game. He carried really strongly, defended really well. He always looked on the verge of making a break, so it will be nice for him to score that try for his confidence.

“We saw Ben on at 10. His preferred position is 12, but with Jarrod Evans injured he’s happy to cover 10 for us.

“Ellis came on at nine as well and obviously Theo, who we’re now talking of as a regular in this team.

“It was great to see the young guys getting taste of first-team rugby for us. We’re really pleased with the first half, a bit frustrated with the second half, but we just want to enjoy the result.

“‘Rapid rise’ is the right term for Theo, isn’t it? Our pathway is there. These guys come out of age grade rugby, haven’t played men’s rugby and with the new Rags system it’s important that boys get senior rugby there.

“They can get experience of playing men’s rugby. That’s how they get more experience and get used to it. They come through and when they’re knocking on the door, ready to play, we’re more comfortable to play them.

“Theo showed what he could do with the Rags and he’s transferred that to the first team. There’s others coming behind him, hopefully in the next six, 12, 18 months.”

Cardiff raced into a 35-0 lead before the break, with tries from Owen Lane (2), Lloyd Williams, James Ratti and a penalty try. However, a scrappy second half saw Zebre claiming two tries of their own before centre Llewellyn had the final word in the last play.

Young told the Cardiff website: “The first 40 was really good. We did the basics really well and defended really well. We kept within our system, nobody jumping out of the system and got plenty of turnovers.”