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Anscombe helps Cardiff Blues into Challenge Cup final

INPHO
Wales international Gareth Anscombe scored Cardiff Blues’ only try as they reached the European Challenge Cup final with a 16-10 victory over Pau.

Wales international Gareth Anscombe scored Cardiff Blues’ only try as they reached the European Challenge Cup final with a 16-10 victory over Pau.

Anscombe, who made starts against England and Italy in the 2018 Championship, opened the scoring at Cardiff Arms Park after a break from Seb Davies.

The full-back then saw a clearance kick charged down by former France international Julien Pierre as Pau replied through Conrad Smith to level the scores at 7-7.

But 21-year-old Jarrod Evans slotted three penalties to seal victory as Ellis Jenkins and Josh Navidi impressed in the back row with 12 and 11 tackles respectively.

The Blues will meet Gloucester Rugby in the final in Bilbao as the Cherry & Whites reached the showpiece event for the third time in four years.

Last year’s losing finalists overcame the previously unbeaten Newcastle Falcons 33-12 at Kingsholm on Friday night scoring four tries in the process.

Jason Woodward pressed his claims for a call-up for England’s summer tour with an imperious display at full-back which saw him pick up the man of the match award.

His break led to Tom Marshall’s opening score with Motu Matu’u adding a second try at the end of the first half as Gloucester led 15-5 at the break.

Billy Burns added a third on 46 minutes before Woodward set up Ben Vellacott to seal the semi-final triumph despite Scott Lawson’s two tries for the Falcons.

Woodward made 138 metres from full-back while there was also an impressive display from Italy’s Jake Polledri, who made his debut in the 2018 Championship, with 15 tackles.