Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Cardiff Blues edge out Wasps to progress to Challenge Cup final

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Cardiff Blues edge out Wasps to progress to Challenge Cup final

The second Semi Final of the Amlin Challenge Cup took place at a waterlogged Adams Park on the weekend, with Cardiff Blues progressing to the final after beating London Waps 18-15 in what was a tense battle in poor conditions.

They’ve now set themselves up for a showdown with Toulon, who beat Connacht on Friday in Galway. It will be Cardiff’s first European final since the inaugural Heineken Cup back in 1996.

The only tries in the match were scored by the Blues, going to Leigh Halfpenny and Gethin Jenkins. For Wasps Dave Walder was excellent, kicking all of their 15 points, but failing to land the late kick that would have taken the game to extra time.

With the exit of Wasps, it’s the first time that an English side hasn’t made the final of either of the two European competitions in the 12 years that they’ve taken part. In 1997 was the last time that they failed to win the Challenge Cup or the Heineken Cup.

The Blues are hoping to be the first Welsh side to lift the trophy, with eighthman Xavier Rush in confident mood ahead of their meeting with Toulon in Marseille.

"Toulon will be tough but on our day we are as good as anyone out there," said the inspirational Kiwi, who helped set up both tries against Wasps. He will be heading to Ulster soon though, so will look to make the final a memorable occasion for all.

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Mafileo Kefu try for Toulon against Connacht

Time: 05:13

Rush is awesome :)

Great to see he's still doing well there

By FrankyH, at May 05, 2010 5:12 pm
well done Blues, or should i say Fucshias
great step by Halfpenny in the wet.
Powell is a great ball carrier but blues will miss the whole game that Rush brings

By mat, at May 05, 2010 5:42 pm
Not exactly champagne rugby, but horrible conditions to play in.

By Phil, at May 05, 2010 7:19 pm
Well played Cardiff,

A great chance to win a European trophy after the disappointment of last year's semi.

By John F, at May 05, 2010 7:37 pm
Crazy conditions but quite a good game considering. Will be an interesting to see the game between Blues and Toulon, glad the final will be that instead of Wasps there.

By Anonymous, at May 05, 2010 9:57 pm
as a llanelli fan, it is a new experience to be supporting cardiff! Rush was immense again, they will really miss him when he's gone. Heineken cup is still possible!

londonllanelli

By Anonymous, at May 05, 2010 11:39 pm
Good result by Cardiff, and, well, playing in Marseille and not in Saint Denis will be tough, but it's a european cup nevertheless.

I think Cipriani will do great with the Melbourne Rebels and that he will return as one of the best fly halves in the world. He's got the pace and flair to match the S15first five eights, and although his defence isn't the best, I'm confident he'll improve.

The english 10 shirt in a few year's time has his name written all over it, in my opinion.

Any thoughts?

By Joost, at May 06, 2010 12:44 am
the first stiletto? when did that becomme a commentary phrase?

By Mikee, at May 06, 2010 1:09 am
I'm waiting for the Cardiff fans in Marseille for a huge party whatever.

By 4LC4TR4Z, at May 06, 2010 8:08 am