The 2016/17 season promises to one of the most interesting for a few years. Toward the end of last season, the much longed for corner turning seemed to have real momentum and given the signings made over the summer it seems depth to the squad is being added to the width we all saw on the pitch. Off the pitch is no less fascinating with reports of a 20,000 stadia hitting Wales Online and whilst the plans are at the genesis stage, it seems that positivity and possibility abounds the Arms Park.
A key factor in 2016/17 will be to maintain the positive vibes, even when the undoubted storms circle overhead; we are Cardiff, we know disaster is an easy bedfellow of success and we know that we meet both regularly over the course of the season. What is clear from the noises in the squad and from the massed ranks of social media-ites is a feeling that standards are being rediscovered and harnessed in an environment of reality and realism.
On the field of play will be the biggest performance indicator, as positive as 2015/16 was there were times when the all too familiar heart sinking chill was felt. The squad feels deeper than a good few seasons, there seems to be good solid alternatives for a number of key positions – from outside half to hooker, from loose head prop to full back. As it is the eve of season I am surrendering to the notion that our 3G pitch (still the best in the Region) will see sublime football and courageous heart. From a purely selfish point of view, I hope that many players avoid call-ups to the Wales squad, if only because they will learn more from playing for Danny Wilson than holding tackle bags for Warren Gatland!
It will be fascinating to see how the raw power of Nick Williams blends with the sublime skills of Ellis Jenkins, how the passing game of Gareth Anscombe and Steve Shingler can bring out the best in Rey Lee-Lo and Willis Halaholo all the way through to seeing if Tom James gets another opportunity to frustrate Gatland! Across the park Cardiff are potentially loaded with threats that will hopefully test the better sides in the league a lot more than in previous years. The cult hero that is Dan Fish will be key in running back loose ball and if he can link with the rejuvenated Alex Cuthbert and James it is pretty much guaranteed that we will see moments of joy and no little skill.
Of course key to any successful season is away form and above all it has to a realistic hope that the squad fly home from Italy with at least 8 points and from Ireland more or less the same. This would signify a huge step up in performance and may well be enough for a top 6 finish. This leads to the question ablut what does success look like for Cardiff in 2016/17? A Champions Cup place would fit the criteria and it is probably not beyond reason to suggest that this should be the minimum. Combined with a European quarter final would be a very good return for the team. Agreeing that Cardiff cannot yet take off the ‘Work in Progress’ sign, it is hoped that we can loosen the chain a little over the coming months. Above all, I hope we will see pace, power and purpose that will be rewarded by positive support from the Terraces and posh seats.
It has to be hoped that the 2016/17 squad continue on their path to betterment, that they continue to have faith in the developing game plan, that they are supported by those who attend games and those who can only watch from afar and above all continue the rebuilding job that will make the name Cardiff resonate in the rugby world again. Ymalen Caerdydd, its time to seriously lay foundations for the team to lead the way again
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