Cardiff Rugby have a special talent on their hands.
It’s hardly incisive analysis to proclaim as much because Theo Cabango has made everyone stand up and take notice in the chances he’s had this season. Thrown into the bizarre saga that was Cardiff’s European campaign, he grabbed his opportunity with both hands and produced performances that demanded he get more chances. And he keeps taking them.
The 20-year-old scored two tries as the Arms Park side roared back to beat Glasgow last weekend. People are justifiably excited. Team-mate Willis Halaholo insisted: “We have good players that are made for the big stage and he’s one of them. He has a big future.”
Wales' Six Nations breakout star, a ringing endorsement and a bold prediction that's bang on course
TV pundits have been branding him a ‘baby-faced assassin’ and comparisons have also been drawn to Italy full-back Ange Capuozzo, who played a starring role in his side’s win over Wales recently. And so to Cardiff Director of Rugby Dai Young. Cabango will have to learn to deal with the hype and it is Young’s responsibility to help him navigate what can often be the choppiest of waters.
“But from my point of view, we’re really guilty in Wales of when someone shows a little bit of promise, we don’t half build them up,” said Young.
“It’s nice for everybody but all it does is heap all sorts of pressure on them. My job is to bring him through and develop him but at a rate I’m comfortable and he’s comfortable with. You don’t want somebody coming in and then bouncing back out. As quick as we build people up, we tend to knock them down.
“He’s shown up really well in training, deserves his opportunity, he’ll have more opportunities as the season goes on. He’s got something
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