Josh Adams believes Cardiff Blues showed their true colours during Sunday’s 29-20 Guinness PRO14 victory over the Ospreys.
Following a disappointing defeat to the Scarlets a week ago, the Blues hosted the Swansea-based region at Rodney Parade and eased to victory.
It was the first time Cardiff Blues have completed a league double over the Ospreys since 2005, and Adams was once again on the scoresheet with his seventh try in eight games.
Adams said: ”We were a lot better this week. We were quite disappointed after the Scarlets game – we didn’t really hit our straps at all and it wasn’t us at all.
“On Sunday what we put out on the pitch was a bit more of the Blues identity if you like.
“I thought our pack was outstanding and our line speed was great. We cut the Ospreys’ space down and our kicking game from nine and 10 was excellent as well.
“We applied the pressure on the Ospreys and to be fair to the boys up front I have to take my hat off to them. They were outstanding and if it wasn’t for them I don’t think it would have been as convincing a win.”
It was a bizarre finale to an unprecedented season with the Blues staging the game at the home of their oldest rivals due to the Arms Park’s role in the Dragon’s Heart Hospital.
Adams admitted it was a surreal experience to run out for a home game at Rodney Parade but after so long without rugby and 13 players returning for the first time there was no lack of appetite or emotion.
He continued: It’s been absolutely crazy, hasn’t it? I think everybody has worked so hard behind the scenes and a lot of guys don’t get enough credit.
“For us to get to this stage and to be able to play a game of rugby is fantastic.
It was a long time coming and a lot of boys were chomping at the bit to get out and play. There was a little bit of rotation this week and it’s been great for boys to get a run.
“I was more than happy to go week on week and it’s been nice to get some game time after ankle surgery in February. I’m feeling good but I wouldn’t say I’m 100 per cent myself just yet. The more game time I get the closer I’ll get to that.”
Cardiff Blues will now enjoy a week long break before beginning a short pre-season in preparation for the 2020-21 season.
There is plenty on the line for Adams, who was the leading try-scorer at the Rugby World Cup and has continued that rich vein of form in a Cardiff Blues jersey.
Naturally journalists quizzed the electric wing on his British & Irish Lions hopes but 25-year-old is acutely aware that it all begins at Cardiff Blues.
He added: “We have a week off now and back in next Tuesday. It’s a bit of down time and feet up – not that we can go anywhere on holiday.
“We’ll stay local and maybe see each other down the Bay or something like that. I don’t think we’ll go far and then hopefully we’ll be straight back into pre-season and then games.
“I know what’s ahead and what is at the end of next season, but it’s important you play well for your club first and foremost and if you do that, you can take your form into the international arena. If you do that you put yourself in the best frame for the Lions.
“We’ll see. There is a lot of rugby to be played. Hopefully I can stay fit and healthy and who knows.
“With the Blues it’s exciting too and we’ve just got to make do with what’s happening at the minute. If we can stay as tight on the field as we were today I think we’ll be in great shape.”