BEING A ‘HATE’ FIGURE IS QUITE FUN!
Blues star Anscombe is ready to take on Henson, the Dragons and the Rodney Parade crowd in today’s big PRO14 derby clash
GARETH Anscombe says he is looking forward to the “hate” Cardiff Blues will encounter when they take on the Dragons at a packed Rodney Parade today (2pm).
It’s set to be a full house for the Boxing Day derby and the outside-half is fully prepared for the fierce atmosphere which will created by the home fans.
“They are pretty parochial and a pretty intense crowd that like to get stuck in,” he said.
“They are a special breed out there, that’s for sure.
“They are pretty fierce and any mistakes you make they will let you know about it.
“It’s a bit different, but it’s nice. It’s nice to be hated, in a way, at times like that.
“You want to be tested, you want to be in those fierce, intense environments.
“It’s a good challenge for us to encounter that.
“The Dragons are definitely on the up and it’s good for them that they get the home crowd behind them.
“I am sure it’s going to be quite testing and niggly and those are the ones the boys like playing in.
“It’s always quite humorous as well. You can usually hear the odd comment here and there.
“I am sure they will want to get stuck into a few of us. We can only do our talking with our performance on the field.
“You can either run from it or embrace it.
“You have just got to be pretty positive in everything. You have got to flush mistakes and don’t let the crowd get on top of you.” He added: “Look, I enjoy it. “Those fierce environments are always a little bit more intense, but it brings the group together.
“You really want to prove a point. When the crowd get on top of you, you really want to give it back to them.
“We have got to stick together as a team and ride the momentum.The boys are well up for it and really looking forward to it.
“We have had some recent success there and we think we know what it takes to win there.”
Asked whether the atmosphere at Rodney Parade reminded him of any grounds back in New Zealand, Anscombe replied: “Look, there are a couple of places in the deep south, like Invercargill.
“That was a tough, nasty place to go.
“They were a bit different to the people I encountered.”
The Boxing Day clash in Newport will bring Anscombe head-to-head with Dragons fly-half Gavin Henson for the first time.
“I haven’t played against Gavin yet, but his record and career speaks for itself,” said the 26-year-old Welsh international.
“I actually bumped into him a few weeks ago and he’s a top bloke.
“You can see his experience has really helped settle them down a little bit by providing a cool head to guide them round the park. He does that tremendously well.
“He’s been a really calming influence on their team. They are a young side and he’s certainly helped steady them.
“He knows the game of rugby inside out. He’s got a massive boot on him and he can make the odd thing happen.
“He’s just an experienced customer. He knows where to create time and space for himself on the ball and he knows his lines really well.
“He’s going to be a big part of their game-plan and we’ve got to deal with a few of his threats and get him off his game slightly if we can.” By doing what exactly? “You will find out on Tuesday,” replied Anscombe.
But, before that appointment, he has other duties to perform.
On Christmas Day, the man from Auckland will be acting as host for fellow Welsh-based Kiwis Johnny McNicholl, Kieron Fonotia, Nick Williams and Hadleigh Parkes.
“We almost have an orphan Christmas every year,” he explained.
“Obviously we have got no family over here. It’s nice to bring a few familiar faces around.
“A few of the boys have got young kids, so it’s nice to try and create that family feel I suppose, otherwise it can be a bit of a lonely day.
“We have got the short straw this year where they run out at our place, so we will see how that goes.
“I am going to try and stay out of the kitchen.
“That will be the best for everyone if I don’t mess the food up!”