Mulvihill can win through tough baptism

THAT hard-earned Scarlets win over Benetton was the lone bright light in a tough weekend for the Welsh regions.

Ospreys coach Allen Clarke has taken plenty of flak for his selection for the trip to Cork, with his second-stringers suffering a humiliating 49-13 defeat at the hands of a powerful Munster lineup.

Before the start of the season, coaches will meet and target certain games to win and this was one where the Ospreys no doubt felt they were cutting their losses.

They went out there deep down knowing they were not going to win and doesn’t reflect well on the Ospreys, particularly as they are a side looking to rebuild after a disappointing 2017-18 campaign.

What it also shows is that Welsh rugby doesn’t yet have the strength of a side like Leinster, who can send out an under-strength team to take on Cardiff Blues and still come away with a win.

As for the Blues, I feel for their new coach John Mulvihill at the moment.

His side could easily be sitting with a record of three wins from three games. Instead, the pressure has been cranked up after three successive defeats.

The endeavour is certainly there, the Blues are looking lively in attack, but they have a lot to work on, particularly in defence.

That just hasn’t been good enough.

It must be frustrating for all concerned.

I am sure the players will rally round, those I have spoken to say it is a happy camp at the Arms Park so there are no issues on that front.

They just need a win to kick-start this new era – hopefully against Munster on Friday night.