Cardiff Blues edge out Wasps to progress to Challenge Cup final

The second Semi Final of the Amlin Challenge Cup took place at a waterlogged Adams Park on the weekend, with Cardiff Blues progressing to the final after beating London Waps 18-15 in what was a tense battle in poor conditions.

Theyve now set themselves up for a showdown with Toulon, who beat Connacht on Friday in Galway. It will be Cardiffs first European final since the inaugural Heineken Cup back in 1996.

The only tries in the match were scored by the Blues, going to Leigh Halfpenny and Gethin Jenkins. For Wasps Dave Walder was excellent, kicking all of their 15 points, but failing to land the late kick that would have taken the game to extra time.

With the exit of Wasps, its the first time that an English side hasnt made the final of either of the two European competitions in the 12 years that theyve taken part. In 1997 was the last time that they failed to win the Challenge Cup or the Heineken Cup.

The Blues are hoping to be the first Welsh side to lift the trophy, with eighthman Xavier Rush in confident mood ahead of their meeting with Toulon in Marseille.

“Toulon will be tough but on our day we are as good as anyone out there,” said the inspirational Kiwi, who helped set up both tries against Wasps. He will be heading to Ulster soon though, so will look to make the final a memorable occasion for all.

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