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Anscombe clocks off with message of gratitude for Cardiff fans
By Josh Raisey
Cardiff and Wales star Gareth Anscombe has sent a final message on social media to his fans before his move to the Ospreys.
The New Zealand-born Grand Slam winner said: “Thank you to the Arms Park faithful, I hope I made you proud” in a touching message where he showed his gratitude to the team that allowed him to relaunch his international career.
This was his message:
After staring for New Zealand under-20s, Anscombe was never able to break into the All Blacks se-tup with either the Auckland Blues or the Chiefs in is native country. The move to Cardiff in 2014 opened the door for him to be selected by Warren Gatland for Wales.
This season has definitely been Anscombe’s breakthrough in the red shirt, as he guided Wales to Grand Slam victory in March and earned man of the match in the devastating victory over Ireland in the final game.
However, while he has been deployed primarily as a fly-half for Wales, Cardiff have played him largely at full-back, which could have potentially affected his form for the national side. Therefore, a move to the Ospreys seems like a wise choice as he can consistently play No10 there.
The post-Six Nations fears were that Anscombe would be leaving Wales altogether, signing a more lucrative deal in either England or France and ending his chances of being selected for Wales. Therefore, the fact that he has moved to another region is a massive bonus for Wales, particularly with the World Cup looming.
The Ospreys also can potentially be playing in the Champions Cup next season if they win their play-off next Saturday against the Scarlets.
But the 28-year-old has had a great spell in the Welsh capital, notably helping the Blues win the Challenge Cup last season, and he seems very grateful for the opportunity the club gave him.
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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