'Free-flowing' Cardiff help Basham end win drought

Taine Basham made a century of appearances for Dragons

Taine Basham is confident that he can thrive in Cardiff's 'free-flowing' style after ending his 17-month wait for a win.

The Blue and Blacks travel to Munster in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on Saturday (kick-off 19.45 BST) after starting with a five-try, 33-20 victory against Lions.

Basham, 25, made his debut at open-side flanker following a summer move from Dragons and - after missing both of the Rodney Parade club's only two victories last season - was on the winning side for the first time since beating Zebre Parma on 29 March, 2024.

The Newport-born loose forward was signed by Matt Sherratt and believes the approach embedded by the now Wales attack coach suits him.

"Jockey [Sherratt] has left but his attacking gameplan is still there," said Basham, who also plays at number eight.

The former Talywain RFC junior made an impression with seven carries for 27 metres, one clean break and made 13 tackles, while he also had a try chalked off for Ben Thomas' clearout that led to a 20-minute red card.

"We play a great brand of rugby and you could see that against the Lions," Basham added.

"Even in the wet conditions at the end we were still brave enough to chuck the ball about."

"It's a free-flowing brand of rugby and everyone knows what they are doing. It's all about being brave and backing yourself."

Cardiff are likely to have more of a defensive examination at Thomond Park against a Munster side that beat Scarlets 34-21 in Llanelli.

"Thomond will be tough but we will back ourselves after a solid start," said Basham.

"There is plenty to work on personally. I felt a little bit eager at times but wanted to make a good impression and felt I did that."

Basham started alongside blind-side Alex Mann and number eight Alun Lawrence against Lions, with Dan Thomas replacing him for the closing stages.

Cardiff will be without number eight Taulupe Faletau for a few more weeks after he suffered a calf injury on his return from the summer tour to Japan.

Basham hopes to get a run of games and his focus is club starts rather than adding to his 17 caps.

"It's an area of tough competition, so my focus is purely on Cardiff. I want to build on from that first game and be the best player I can," he said.

"I was there for Jac Morgan's debut against Scotland – it was me, him and Ross Moriart - and Tommy Reffell has been great as well.

"It was tough playing for a side that wasn't so competitive at times but now I am at a club that is pretty much competitive every game and we are in there going for wins."