Ellis Jenkins has paid tribute to the Cardiff front-five after the Blue and Blacks roared to a seven-try European Challenge Cup victory over Newcastle Falcons.
Dai Young’s side travelled to the North East on the back of a bonus-point victory over Brive in Round One and they maintained their 100 per cent start to the competition with a dominant performance.
Jenkins, making his first competitive start of the season, picked up the man-of-the-match award after having a hand in two first-half tries, and the back-line ran in five of the team’s collective seven, but he insists it all comes back to the platform laid up front.
“It was brilliant to score so many tries but I can’t speak highly enough of our front five today, they were brilliant.
“Our scrum was on fire, it put them under so much pressure, gave us field position and if you put the pressure on in the set-piece then it’s easy to do the stuff behind. Our backs looked really good but huge credit to our front five.
“It’s something we always try to do but it’s a lot easier when you have that parity up front and I can’t speak highly enough o that platform we were given. Everyone knows it’s a lot easier when you’re going forward and luckily we were doing that particularly in the first half.”
Speaking of his own personal performance, Jenkins added: “I really enjoyed it. Obviously it’s been frustrating, training every week just waiting and trying to get selected. It’s probably taken a couple of injuries for me to get my chance but it was an enjoyable game to be a part of.”
Cardiff now turn their attention back to the BKT United Rugby Championship with three consecutive Welsh derbies beginning at the Dragons on Boxing Day.
The Blue and Blacks then host the Ospreys (Jan 1) and Scarlets (Jan 7) at the Arms Park with tickets selling fast. To secure yours today, click here.