Young insists future is bright after six-try Zebre destruction

DAI YOUNG insists there is light at the end of the tunnel for Cardiff after thrashing Zebre at the Arms Park.

The Blue & Blacks have endured a difficult season winning just six games out of 16 in the URC. But director of rugby Young insists the performances of young backs such as Owen Lane, Theo Cabango, Max Llewellyn, and Ben Thomas has given the club real hope moving forward.

“That could be a sign of what could happen in the next two seasons with the boys coming through,” said Young. “We had a really young backline and they really enjoyed that experience. ‘Rapid rise’ is the right phrase for Theo Cabango isn’t it? Our pathway is there.

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

Cardiff started strongly as they applied pressure in the Zebre 22 with No.8 James Ratti powering over from short-range. Rhys Priestland added the extras, and they were soon celebrating their second try when impressive loosehead Rhys Carre charged through the defence before offloading to Lloyd Williams for the score.

They were soon awarded a penalty try when Cabango was tackled high in the act of scoring with Zebre’s Junior Laloifi sent to the sin bin.

Cardiff had the bonus point in the bag after 21 minutes with Lane running in unopposed from 40 metres. Lane claimed his second on the stroke of half-time as he hacked on a loose ball to touch down. Priestland added the extras to give the hosts a 35-0 lead at the interval.

Zebre scored their first try just after the break with South African Erich Cronje showing his power. But the quality deteriorated in the second-half with the game lacking structure.

Cardiff were temporarily reduced to 14 men when replacement hooker Kirby Myhill was sent to the sin bin for a late shoulder charge. Zebre made the most of their numerical advantage with a powerful carry from Gabriele Venditti who offloaded to Maxime Mbanda for their second try.

Cardiff had the last word when explosive centre Llewellyn sliced open the defence to run in a try from 35 metres, with Thomas adding the extras.