Hughes wants Cardiff to impose their game in European opener

Daf Hughes says Cardiff Rugby must bring their own attacking game to Northampton Saints as they prepare to open their Investec Champions Cup campaign away from home on Sunday 18 October. The Cardiff hooker described the match as a chance to test the squad against leading European opposition. EPCR’s published pool-stage schedule confirms Northampton will host Cardiff on that date.

A route beyond the maul

Speaking in a club interview published on 14 October, Hughes said Cardiff were prepared to use their driving maul when penalties give them opportunities, while also pursuing their wider attacking approach. “We’ve definitely got our own game that we want to play,” he said. He acknowledged Northampton’s attacking threat and said Cardiff also needed to create chances and score tries, rather than focus solely on containing the hosts.

Competition for the shirt

Hughes welcomed competition between Cardiff’s hookers and the opportunities that come with depth in the squad. His comments describe the approach to the opening European fixture. They do not confirm a starting team, and the club interview gives no selection decision for Sunday.