By Craig Muncey
July 16 2018

Looking forward to the new season? Hopefully, this series of articles will enhance your excitement. The first area of the pitch I look at is the back three.

The Back Three

Cardiff Blues go into the new season without Alex Cuthbert who has moved onto Exeter Chiefs. Who will replace him on the wing, and how will the back three line up? 

These are the options that John Mulvihill has going into the new season:

Matthew Morgan

Nipper is an exciting attacking force as is clear to see. In the broken field, he can cut through the first line of defence and get Cardiff Blues on the front foot. Aerially he improved as the season went on, but there is still a real concern over his defence. Will he start the season as the first choice fullback? We shall see.

Rhun Williams

The young exciting fullback is still overcoming an injury and his return is unknown currently. Williams is a player who I think could become a real star in either fullback or wing position, so let's hope he makes a full recovery and is back on a rugby field soon.

Dan Fish

Another player who last season suffered injuries which curtailed his season. Fish is arguably the most equipped all-around skilled fullback on the books. A good kicking game, dangerous counter attacker, has good vision and is decent aerially. 

Gareth Anscombe

Chicken is an excellent footballer and his best position is 10, but with the injuries last season and the form of Jarrod Evans found himself playing at 15. Will he play a lot of games there next season? Only time will tell.

Owen Lane

Can he carry on his form from last season? No doubt he made a breakthrough with his ability to score a try and break a tackle. His work in attack chasing kicks is outstanding. You would expect him to play mainly on the wing again this season, but I am hoping we get to see him get a few starts in the midfield this season. Been a star there for Wales U20's and I still think long term that will be his strongest position.

Blaine Scully

Captain America is recovering from an ankle operation and hopefully makes the start of the new season. Scully is a real fan favourite with never say die attitude and his work ethic. Does all aspects of wing play well, a good finisher, good in defence and strong under the high ball. Another player who could also cover 15 if called upon and will play mainly on the wing.

Tom James

The winger is back to action after an absence from the game. On his day an excellent winger, can he return to that form? If he does then will be like having a new signing for Cardiff Blues.

Aled Summerhill

The versatile back has never let Cardiff Blues down when called upon. Started last season very well, and then due to form of others and injuries was not seen too much in a Cardiff Blues shirt. If he gets a chance can he sustain a place? We shall see.

Jason Harries

A new recruit from Edinburgh. Harries has good size, which with the departure of Cuthbert left us a little on the small size. Has not played a huge amount of rugby at this level, so when given the chance will be interesting to see how he goes. Can also play at outside centre, so a good recruit to the squad.

Maybe not quite ready for this level and likely to get some outings for Cardiff RFC and Cardiff Blues U23's is Corey Howells, who is one to keep an eye on for the seasons ahead. Also currently on trial is a player who Cardiff Blues know well, Tom Williams, Lloyd's brother. Tom has been playing for the Scarlets and is now available after his contract with them expired. Tom is a reliable performer on the wing, so I am guessing it all depends if the Cardiff Blues coaches decide they have enough cover in the wing position or not for the long season ahead, if not, then Tom could be a good pick up.

There are my thoughts on the back three positions for the upcoming season, agree/disagree?

I will be back next week looking at the centre position options.