By Graham Thomas
Lloyd Williams insists he and the rest of Cardiff’s players have no problem with the withering criticism delivered by their supporters and admits: They’re right!
The Cardiff and Wales scrum-half was part of a line-up lambasted last week by fans’ groups who called for a major clear-out at the club.
But a week on from their 49 unanswered points humiliation at home to the Scarlets, Williams believes the club can turn things around at Saracens on Sunday in a European Challenge Cup tie that is live on S4C.
Cardiff crashed 49-14 to their Welsh rivals in the URC, despite leading 14-0 early on, leading to bitter accusations from their own supporters trust who called the display “shameful” and “an insult.”
Williams – one of the most experienced players in the Cardiff squad – conceded: “To a certain extent, they are right.
“When you lose at home in that manner, or by that scoreline, then it must be really tough to watch – especially when it’s against another Welsh region.
“It was tough for the players. But as a group, you can’t afford to be too reactive in your response, just as you can’t get too ahead of yourselves when things are going well.
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@maroitoje & @max_malins7 return.
@aled009 at 9️⃣.
8️⃣ @JacksonWray moves to number eight.Full Team News #StrongerTogether ⚫️
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) April 15, 2022
“If you do react, then you can spiral downwards even deeper. We have to take a look at what went wrong, the things that went well, and try to rectify the problems.”
Williams admits he endured a difficult weekend after the seven-try thrashing which was new territory even for a 32-year-old who has spent 12 years at the Arms Park.
“I can’t remember losing that heavily at home before, so it hurts. It never gets easier, either.
“We have set high standards and although the Scarlets played well, we just fell off a cliff in that second half.
“There is a lot of emotion flying around after a game like that. You try to switch off, but it’s hard.
“It should be a given that you turn up with the right attitude. But when the result on the scoreboard is like it was, then you can expect to be questioned.”
Few will give Cardiff much hope of turning things around at the Stonex Stadium in north London in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup since Dai Young’s side have not won anywhere on their travels all season.
Sarries are coming off the back of a thumping 55-5 win away at Brive in France and are flying high in the Gallagher English Premiership, in second place behind Leicester.
🗣 “The different competition brings a bit of a fresh air. It’s knockout rugby so anything goes. These are always ones I enjoy, you’re up against different teams and styles. I’m excited for it, it’s a great challenge.”
Josh Navidi looks ahead to Sunday’s clash with Saracens pic.twitter.com/0tJyfYg0eS
— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) April 15, 2022
But Williams believes Cardiff have to forget about their opponents star-studded line-up – which could include Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly, Jamie George, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola – and look inwardly for some steps towards improvement.
“We are not really looking too much into the opposition after last week,” adds Williams.
“We need to right a few wrongs ourselves. They are things we usually take pride in, but last week they were lacking.
“Saracens have earned the respect of everyone when they play at home, so we know it’s going to be very difficult.
“We want to come away from the game, knowing that we threw a punch or two. Last week, after half an our, there wasn’t many punches thrown.”
That has led to some tough, straight talking amongst the players, says Williams – and a determination to make amends by making the last eight of a tournament they dropped down to from the Champions Cup.
“Conversations within the playing group have been ongoing for a few months. We have had some good results, but we have also had some poor ones this season – throughout the season.
⚫️🔵 Here is your Cardiff team for the trip to London to take on @Saracens in the @ChallengeCup_
🔵⚫️ Dyma y tîm fydd yn teithio i Lundain dydd Sul
©️ @Jnavidi captains the side on his return
1⃣8⃣ of the matchday 23 are @Cardiff_Pathway productsRead the team news ⤵️
— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) April 15, 2022
“It’s tough to enjoy your rugby when you’re not winning. Confidence has been knocked, but we are one win away from turning things on their head.
“Saracens have a very simple game plan but it’s very effective and they do it well. They are hard-working and tough to break down..
“But we have to cause them problems and keep doing it for much longer than we did last week.
“Sunday is a great opportunity for us and we need to make that step in the right direction.”
S4C – Sunday: 12.45pm
Saracens v Cardiff – Live coverage of Saracens v Cardiff in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.
