Blog Banner

Cardiff Blues A must improve decision making says Rees

1st October 2018


Richie Rees says his team must improve their on-field decision making, following Saturday's one-point defeat to Munster A.

Tries from Ethan Lewis, Callum Bradbury, Harri Millard and Dan Fish ensured Cardiff Blues A came away with two bonus points against the undefeated Irish province.

Rees praised the impact of individuals such as Dan Fish and Max Llewellyn, but insists it must be a team effort if the side are to pick up a win heading into the final two rounds of action.

“We spoke about getting the small wins but we tried to force the outcome and that doesn’t work for us,” said Rees.

“It’s something we have to get better at, and the boys have to be more brutal and honest with themselves about some of the decision-making on-field.

“We allow them the freedom of making decisions but sometimes they’re the wrong calls.

“We’ll speak about how to get better, give them scenarios, chat during the week and as a group we have to continue growing.

“For the last 15-20 minutes, we controlled the game more than we did for the whole opening 60 minutes and that’s the frustrating thing.

“The game is about winning the gain-line, and if you get the gain-line it will give you more chance of winning the game.

“The strength of us as a group is at the backline, and we have to continue to get better. 

“Dan Fish was excellent when he came on. He controlled and did what we had prepared for during the week.

“Max Llewellyn was outstanding both with and without the ball, and it’s about making small wins. If we end up bringing Max through from this crop [to the first team] then that’s what we’re after.”

Rees’ side face a trip to Galway next week, where they will take on Connacht Eagles, who head into the clash on the back of a 35-19 defeat to Scarlets A.

The former Wales international insists his side are hungry to pick up the win, but expects another difficult challenge in the notoriously tough conditions at the Sportsground.

Rees said: “Yes, it’s about development, and yes it’s about brining everyone through, but it’s human nature that everyone wants to win and it’s a competitive game.

“Next week is about experience again, and it’s another away trip.It’s a two-night job and we want to go there to get the win.

“How do we do that? We’ll review and we’ll have some honest conversations which are needed to be had with certain individuals.

“We’ll move on, and focus on Connacht for next Saturday afternoon.”