A superb performance from Willis Halaholo helped Cardiff Blues edge to a 26-24 victory at Newport Gwent Dragons to end their Guinness PRO12 campaign on a high. In front of a sell-out crowd of 5,167 at Constructaquote Stadium – the first time Caerphilly has hosted a PRO12 clash since the visit of Ulster in October 2002 – inside centre Halaholo thrilled, scoring a try and making big yards with almost every carry. Carl Meyer crossed early on for the Dragons but scores from Wales international Matthew Morgan and Halaholo put the visitors in control, while Gareth Anscombe’s boot also kept the scoreboard ticking over, meaning Sam Beard’s late score was no more than consolation. The result means the hosts – who have not beaten a fellow Welsh region in the Guinness PRO12 since December 2014 – finish 11th in the table, having been leapfrogged by Treviso on the final day, while the Blues end seventh. In what was their first PRO12 game in Caerphilly for over 14 years, it took the Dragons just one minute to trouble the scoreboard. Angus O’Brien produced an exquisite chip into the corner and Meyer was on hand to dot down, although O’Brien’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful in the swirling wind. Having had success with the tactic once, O’Brien continued to lean on the cross-field kick and although it didn’t produce immediate dividends, the fly-half did stretch the lead to 8-0 with a penalty off the inside of the post. However, kicking was soon to prove fruitful for the Blues as Meyer failed to gather Morgan’s low grubber, Alex Cuthbert booted the loose ball ahead and Morgan pounced to touch down, Anscombe’s conversion narrowing the deficit to one point. O’Brien slotted a second penalty but some magic from Halaholo conjured up the third try of the game just before the half-hour mark, as his no-look pass started the move and the New Zealander duly finished it off by blazing past four defenders. Anscombe’s conversion took the score to 14-11 at half-time. The lead became six points after the break when Anscombe took advantage of a scrum penalty by bisecting the uprights and when Thomas Rhys Thomas was should a yellow card midway through the second period, the visitors had a real chance to ram home their advantage. They dominated territory during that period but the Dragons held firm until good work at the breakdown from Nick Williams won the Blues a penalty, which Anscombe converted for a 20-11 lead. Looking for a first PRO12 win since January, the Dragons got themselves within three points with just eight minutes remaining thanks to a pair of long-range penalties from the boot of Meyer. But another Anscombe three-pointer when the hosts were pinged at the breakdown eased any nerves and the nine-cap Wales international then added a fourth penalty with two minutes remaining. There was still time for Beard to grab a try in the corner for the Dragons right at the death and although O’Brien nailed the tricky conversion, they still went down by two points. The Guinness PRO12 Final takes place on May 27 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Fans can guarantee their place by booking their tickets via www.ticketmaster.ie Further information: www.pro12rugby.com/final
