Video: Angry Ackermann doesn't hold back ref criticism after Gloucester defeat

Cardiff Blues edged Gloucester Rugby 31-30 in a Challenge Cup final thriller at San Mames Stadium on Friday thanks a last minute kick from Gareth Anscombe.

The New Zealander had missed a conversion just minutes earlier to bring the match level after Blaine Scully’s 74th minute try in the corner.

Gloucester appeared to be in control of proceedings holding a 20-6 half-time lead thanks to tries for Henry Trinder and Mark Atkinson along with 10 points from the boot of Billy Twelvetrees.

But that advantage could have been bigger, a try from Lewis Ludlow was disallowed on the half hour due to a perceived forward pass by Josh Hohneck, however it wasn’t referred to the TMO, something which Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann criticised heavily in the aftermath.

“If there is technology, use it and then at least if you got it right even in your gut feeling on the field then you’ll know, you’ve that confirmation and then on the Monday or on the following day or hour after the game you’ve got a clean slate. And again that’s why I say it still flabbergasts me that we’ve got the technology but we don’t want to use it” the South African said.

Cardiff burst into life immediately after the break and used kicks behind Gloucester’s rush defence to good effect gaining territory and a foothold into the game.

Tomos Williams, who was a recent call-up to Warren Gatland’s Wales squad for their summer tour showed good tenacity and footballing skills to reach and control the ball, benefiting from a ricochet off the posts padding and into his grateful arms as he slid in within a minute of the restart.

Jarrod Evans reduced arrears to 20-16 with another successful kick.

Garyn Smith, one of two first half subs alongside Josh Navidi, crossed for Cardiff’s second try in the 54th minute to turn the match on its head as they led 23-20.

Gloucester weren’t to be cowed and duly retook the lead with a catch-and-drive from a lineout, which resulted in hooker James Hanson dotting down.

Billy Twelvetrees added the conversion, along with a 63rd minute penalty and the Premiership side appeared to have assumed control of this match once again.

That moment… @Cardiff_Blues lifting the Challenge Cup! 🏆#ChallengeCupRugby #Bilbao2018 pic.twitter.com/Fo0gCqAkYM

— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) May 11, 2018

But the Blues refused to fold, they pressed for an equalising try. Their caused was helped by a yellow card for Gloucester flanker Lewis Ludlow in the 74th minute, meaning the English club would finish with 14 men.

Next came Blaine Scully’s try and Gareth Anscombe’s chance of a reprieve for his earlier conversion miss to hand Cardiff Blues their second Champions Cup title and first since 2010.

It is the second season in a row that Gloucester have lost in the Challlenge Cup final.

“I am not going to sleep well tonight and I am probably not going to sleep well for the next seven or eight nights because this is my third final in a row that I am losing” Ackermann said.