Dai Young has challenged Cardiff to keep their end of season destiny in their own hands ahead of Saturday’s crucial BKT United Rugby Championship encounter against Ulster (KO 7.35pm).
The Ulstermen will visit the Arms Park for the first time since 2018 as the hosts aim to build on victory against Benetton in their fight for a top eight finish.
The Blue and Blacks currently sit a point short of the play off places, with four matches remaining in the Championship.
Young has been proud of how his side have fronted up in training and matches recently, and hopes to see more of the same when the cross the white line on Saturday.
“It was a good win against Benetton. I was really pleased with the way we played and we’d probably have to step it up again to get the result on the weekend.
“We know this is an important game for us, and if we can get something out of this game and get a result then it will keep us in the mix.
“There’s no point worrying about what’s to come in two games or so, because the next two games are massive for us to give us a chance of getting anywhere near it.
“If we come the wrong side of the next two results, the only way we’ll be in the mix is if all the results go our way.
“So let’s keep it in our hands and let’s try and get something out of this game.
“Obviously a five pointer like we did against Benetton would be fantastic but a win would be a really good result for us.
“The players have been excellent in training and they were excellent in that game against Benetton. I don’t feel that we’ll get anything different this weekend.
“I can only speak volumes for their professionalism and how they’ve put the current situation behind them and shown that they’re rugby players who want to do a good job.
“Yes they’ve got anxiety and some of them have got futures where they don’t know where they’re going to be, but certainly when they walk across the whitewash for training or for games they’ve been excellent.
“I hope that’s the same on Saturday. I’ve just been really pleased with their attitudes and admire the way they’ve gone about their business in very difficult circumstances.”
With Saturday’s clash being the final home game of the BKT United Rugby Championship season for Cardiff, Young says it would be nice to sign off at the Arms Park with a win to reward the faithful supporters who have backed the team throughout the campaign.
The former Wales prop added: “I’ve got no doubt whatsoever that we’ll have a fantastic crowd. They’ve turned up in their numbers every game we’ve played here and they’re really vocal as well.
“They really get behind the team and that’s something that away coaches always say, is that we have a good crowd who are really vocal and create a great atmosphere.
“This is our last home league game, which is a bit crazy in itself in March, but that’s how the season pans out.
“It would be great to sign off with a real good performance and it’d be nice to say a real thank you to the crowd as well after the game for their support.
“We’re hoping that they’ll come out in their numbers to get behind the team, as they have all year.”
The challenge ahead for the Blue and Blacks is an Ulster outfit who sit in third place in the league table, coming off the back of victory out in South Africa.
Young has warned his side of the threat Ulster pose up-front and insists they will need to match the Belfast outfit’s physicality for the full 80 minutes.
“You’ve only got to look at where they’re sitting in the table. They’ve gone away and had some real impressive results on the road as well,” added the Director of Rugby.
“So we know they’re a team that can travel. They’re very direct, really well coached and have a good set piece, so it will definitely be all about physicality.
“There’s nothing underhanded about them. They’re coming through the front door. So you’ve got to stand up and be counted.
“We’ll need to win the collisions and win that gain line. Field position will be important because they’ve got a real good driving line-out and they’ve got a really good pick-and-go game. If they get into your 22, they’re one of the most deadly teams in the league.
“We know that we’re going to have to be at our best.”
Wales trio Dillon Lewis, Rhys Carré and Teddy Williams have been made available for selection ahead of Saturday’s clash, and Young welcomes their return into the squad.
The former Wales international added: “It’s great that they wanted to come back in and play.
“They’ve fitted straight back in and it’s nice to see them back, looking really good an eager to get back in.
“It’s nice to have the three of them back involved.”
Dai Young has urged our Blue and Black faithful to once again back the boys as they welcome Ulster in the final home clash of the BKT United Rugby Championship season! Buy now to claim at a cheaper rate and join us for a pulsating evening at the capital!