Former Waratahs back Sam Norton-Knight is one of many southern hemisphere players now playing his trade in the UK. Norton-Knight was brought to the Cardiff Blues to replace Nicky Robinson, but had a shocker of a debut against Edinburgh.
Norton-Knight, whos only 25 but has a fair amount of professional rugby behind him, was predominantly a fullback when playing in Australia. He now insists that his preferred position is at flyhalf, but his performance shows otherwise.
He was replaced after 63 minutes and left the field angrily, tossing his scrumcap to the floor. Coach Dai Young still has faith in his abilities though.
It was a game to forget for him, admitted Young. He is very disappointed and he did not play like he could.
He is a far better player than that and we are confident he will put things right. I am sure he will like to get that game under his belt.
We will put our arm around him because we know he is a better player than that.
He is so disappointed because he wanted to start well. But it does not make him a bad player overnight and I dont want to go overboard. There are very few players in world rugby who dont have a bad game.
And I am sure he is going to get better with every match.
He was very nervous before the match, said Young. In fact, I dont think I have ever seen a debutant so nervous before a match.
The Blues lost the game 22-21.
Time:
02:50
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