Director of Rugby Mark Hammett praised Sam Warburton as the back row dynamo signed off from regional duty in style as Cardiff Blues defeated Grenoble in Europe.
Warburton grabbed a second half try as Blues secured a bonus point victory over the French Top14 side at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.
Hammer revealed after the game that Warburton would now be rested for the away trip to Italy to face Femi-CZ VEA Rugby Rovigo on Saturday afternoon as international duty looms large for the flanker.
But he insisted other members of the squad would now be keen to step up to the plate over the coming six weeks as Blues look to build on the European win.
“I thought Sam had his strongest game this season for us,” said Hammer. “I just thought he ramped up the intensity level physically and in the tackle.
“I think he is growing and has continued to improve in his last few games. He is in a very good spot.
“I’m not sure the last time he played four on the trot for the club so it’s fantastic. He has given us some good leadership.
“Sam is not available for next week against Rovigo and obviously he won’t be available for Munster. That’s part of the schedule we have worked out for him with Gats," he added.
“We won’t see him for a while, but we are blessed in terms of having Josh Navidi and Ellis Jenkins. We have some good sevens at the region.”