Hammett sees a leader in Cardiff Blues fly-half Patchell

Patchell got his GUINNESS PRO12 campaign off to a flying start, collecting 21 points - more than any other player across the competition's opening weekend - as the Blues won 41-26 in Parma.

It was new head coach Hammett's first competitive game in charge of Cardiff and Patchell picked up the first points of the new era, dotting down after a nervy start had seen him miss two penalties.

However, the two-time Wales international grew into the game and despite only holding a slender half-time lead, the Blues pulled away confidently in the second-half.

Kristian Dacey, Lloyd Williams, Dan Fish and Alex Cuthbert also crossed over for the visitors, while Zebre scored three tries of their own - through Brendon Leonard, Filippo Ferrarini and Dion Berryman.

However it was Patchell's 16 points from the tee and his composure with ball in hand that left Hammett purring after the final whistle.

"Patch produced some magic in the early stages, some real talent and X-Factor early in the first half that got us into the lead," he said.

"But what I was more pleased with was as the game went on he started controlling it and that was great to see.

"Obviously it's nice to see him kick goals and score tries, but I think for Patch to go forward and move on we want to see him become a real vocal leader and drive the team around. It was a good start from him."

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