Allen double fires autumn reminder to boss Howley

CORY Allen boosted his chances of a Wales Test call by scoring two tries and making a third to send Blues top of Pool 4.

This week Allen was left out of the Welsh squad for the autumn internationals but his omission did not surprise the fourtimes capped centre.

Allen said: “I didn’t think I deserved to be selected for I didn’t impress in our first four matches as I wasn’t involved enough.

“It’s always disappointing when your name’s not called but it’s just five minutes downtime before you realise you just have to get on with it.

“I have not played for two weeks so this game was huge as I needed to make an impression and thankfully Steve Shingler’s passes were right on the money.”

Blues head coach, Danny Wilson, said: “We’ve spoken to Cory about a couple of bits in his game but he’s an outstanding player and I’m thrilled for him that he was able to show what he’s capable of.”

As early as the second minute, Allen was sent flying through a huge gap in the French defence by a well-timed pass from Shingler to give Blaine Scully an easy run-in.

Shingler converted and added a penalty as Cardiff appeared in control but unlike so many of travelling French clubs, Pau didn’t lie down and dominated the remainder of the half.

However they couldn’t make it count as a closerange try from Daniel Ramsay was their sole reward with a further Shingler penalty giving Blues a fortunate 13-5 halftime advantage.

After the restart, Pau were made to pay for their profligacy when two well executed moves from setpieces saw Allen score twice to seal the win before Pau regrouped to keep the hosts penned in their own 22 for most of the final quarter.

Cardiff persistently offended as they desperately tried to keep their line intact and when Jarrad Hoeata was sinbinned, the visitors finally had something to show for their efforts when Pierre Dupouy scored a consolation try.

The final score flattered Blues for the French side were superior in terms of territory and possession but they couldn’t defeat a stubborn rearguard from the home side, who gave their opponents a lesson in taking chances.

Blues skipper, Gethin Jenkins, said: “They’ve got a strong squad and were hard to break down but we weathered the storm and ground it out to get a decent victory.”