Former Cardiff and Wales rugby star Tom Shanklin is among a group of TV pundits who have accused the club's players of lacking commitment and simply not being good enough.
Shanklin, former Scotland captain John Barclay and ex-Ireland international Stephen Ferris ripped into Dai Young's side during a live Premier Sports show reviewing the final weekend of the regular United Rugby Championship season. Cardiff, of course, suffered humiliation in Italy, losing 69-21 against a Benetton team which scored a remarkable 10 tries.
Shanklin didn't pull any punches despite his strong affiliation with the club, while Barclay spoke with clear disdain for what he had witnessed on more than one occasion this season covering their matches.
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Shanklin said: "I did not expect this. Teams have lost to Benetton, I get that. They are a decent outfit and they do the basics well, but to have your pants pulled down like that... it was a buffet at the end, all you can eat. It totally lacked any commitment, anything."
Barclay countered: "It didn't surprise me. We commentated on them against Edinburgh and I thought they [Cardiff] were spineless that day. I know that is a strong word but to go over there on the last day of the season and get 69 points put on you, and it not look like you're even trying half the time... it's embarrassing. You won't see worse defence or worse endeavour in the league this year. It's the worst performance of any team in the league this year."
Ferris added: "Let's be honest and call it as it is. Since that Leinster win, Cardiff have probably been the worst team in the league." The Irishman then put the subject of Dai Young's job security to Shanklin amid the appalling recent results, with the former Wales centre insisting he still had faith in his former coach.
Shanklin believes Young has been hamstrung with a poor squad that he can't change due the extended contracts many signed during Covid when pay cuts were brought in. Shanklin finished by saying: "There are too many alleged 'good' players in that squad and I don't think they are good. There's loads." He declined to name those he was talking about despite being pushed by fellow pundits.
