Cardiff Blues 28-21 Toulon, European Challenge Cup Final, May 23
Young praises Blues' resilience
Scrum.com
May 23, 2010
Preview Report Reaction Verdict Match details Gallery
Toulon fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is helped from the field with an injury, Cardiff Blues v Toulon, European Challenge Cup Final, Stade Velodrome, Marseille, France, May 23, 2010
Jonny Wilkinson was forced from the field early in the second half © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Tournaments/Tours: European Challenge Cup

Cardiff Blues coach Dai Young praised his side's heart after they fought back to defeat Toulon 28-21 and claim the European Challenge Cup at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

The Blues became the first Welsh side to win a European title and Young was quick to laud the resilience of his men after they had trailed 13-6 at the break to a well taken Sonny Bill Williams try.

"It must have been a great game to watch," he told Sky Sports. "In the first half we were hanging in by our toenails. But we showed guts and determination and when we had the opportunities we struck.

"We had confidence in our own ability and knew if we got enough ball in the right areas and went through the phases, the opportunities would come and that proved to be the case. The attitude was excellent - we could have chucked the towel in at some stages.

"It's another sign of how far we're moving forward as a region. I'm really pleased for all the players, they put the work in and they deserve all the plaudits and we're really going to enjoy tonight."

Toulon's England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson was forced off early in the second half with an injury and he was in reflective mood at the final whistle. It is unclear how serious the pivot's injury is, although he was able to walk from the field.

"It's disappointing but it's an experience we need," he said. "The match built and built and you try to do your best but you take what you can, stay on route, and if you keep going to the end of the game it'll come together. Cardiff just maybe got a few things right that we didn't and that made the difference."

© Scrum.com

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices