Double blow

Cardiff hooker Jonathan Humphreys was looking to enjoy a double celebration this weekend. Victory over Gloucester in the Heineken European Cup semi-final would have been great and this would have been supported by the fact he was playing his 32nd consecutive European Cup tie. Over the past five seasons the Welsh international hooker has racked up his appearances as follows: 2000 (7), 1998 (7), 1997 (8), 1996 (6), 1995 (4). The number would have been even greater had the Welsh and English clubs not opted out in 1999. Instead it was a double disappointment for Humphreys as Cardiff crashed out timidly to Gloucester.