Josh Adams is itching to run out in front of the Cardiff Arms Park faithful once again as Dai Young’s men prepare to welcome Vodacom Bulls to the capital on Saturday.
The Blue and Blacks wing hasn’t played in front of an Arms Park crowd since 2020’s New Years clash against Scarlets, where he dotted down for a sensational score.
After finishing as top try scorer of British and Irish Lions’ tour to South Africa over the summer, the 26 year old returned to club colours during last week’s United Rugby Championship defeat to Ospreys at Swansea.
He admits he looked on with envy as Cardiff opened their campaign with a stunning bonus point win over Connacht, in front of an electric Arms Park atmosphere, and is expecting another physical challenge against the Pretoria-based outfit.
Adams said: “I’m thoroughly looking forward to it! I was very jealous of the boys getting to run out here against Connacht.
“There was a great turn-out for that game and the boys had a terrific win as well.
“I watched from home and was pretty jealous that the boys were able to play in front of the fans. It’s been a long time and I speak on behalf of everyone by saying it’s nice to have them back.
“I’m really looking forward to Saturday.
“Historically, Bulls have been pretty good. What we’ve seen over the past two weeks is your standard, typical South African side.
“They’ve got very physical, big lads and some good players in their team. Their outside half Goosen is a very good player.
“Marcell Coetzee is also there and plays very direct. He gives them good go-forward ball.
“They’re two of the main players but there’s threats across the board.
“They’ve recruited well after the Rainbow Cup and it will certainly be a tough challenge for us.
“But it’s a different challenge and an exciting one. It’s a team we’ve never faced before and a new team to the league.
“It’s always exciting to play against new teams.”
Adams added to his impressive try scoring tally for the club last week, displaying his attacking instincts to pounce on the loose ball after Rhys Priestland’s penalty had rebounded off the uprights.
Despite out-scoring the hosts by two tries to zero in Swansea, Gareth Anscombe’s boot ensured a narrow victory for Toby Booth’s Ospreys.
Despite positive aspects to Cardiff’s game, Adams was disappointed as execution and handling let them down at key moments.
“It was pre-planned, that’s what we’ll say! We didn’t want the three, we thought we’d have the five instead,” joked the Lions ace, who has 11 tries in 19 appearances for the Blue and Blacks.
“It’s one of those things where you’re always told to chase kicks. So I’ll always follow up on penalties, although more often than not it either goes over or wide.
“It’s one in a hundred that you’ll have that happening, so I was glad I was there for it.
“I’d been itching to get back out there since I got back from South Africa. So it was good to get out on the field last week and I really enjoyed myself.
“But it was quite frustrating we couldn’t go on to get the win because we created good chances.
“There was a lot of poor skill execution from us as backs, with a lot of dropped balls. At times maybe we should’ve moved the ball a bit better when we didn’t.
“The ball was really greasy but that’s not an excuse from our end. We need to be better than that.
“It was more frustrating than anything because it was one that got away from us and one we should’ve won.
“We’ve got threats across the backline and some really dangerous players. Our backline was full of internationals last week.
“But we need to get some front foot ball first. There’s no point launching the ball from touchline to touchline.
“Teams will defend that easily, and although it’s a cliché, you do have to earn the right to play.
“That’s certainly something we’ll look to do in the coming games.”
With British and Irish Lions duo Josh Adams and Josh Navidi both in contention for Saturday's huge URC clash against Vodacom Bulls, make sure you join us for what should be another memorable evening at the Arms Park! Tickets available NOW!