Director of Rugby Phil Davies admits his Cardiff Blues are 'chomping at the bit' for competitive league rugby as they prepare to launch the RaboDirect PRO12 season at Glasgow Warriors on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm).
Blues kick-off the new season at the Scotstoun Stadium against the highly-rated Scottish side who secured a top four spot last season.
The Warriors finished off their last campaign with a run of seven straight victories in all
competitions at their Scotstoun home and Davies admits the clash is a difficult start for his team.
However, after a strong pre-season, that has seen victories secured over Aviva Premiership duo Worcester Warriors and Sale Sharks, he is exicted about unleashing his Blues into a new campaign.
“We are looking forward to it and ready for it,” said Davies. “We haven’t got many injuries and the ones we have are well documented. We are excited to see what we can produce on Friday night.
“Glasgow away is a very difficult start. Them (Glasgow) reaching the semi-final last year was not something that just happened, it was four or five years in the making. If you look at the way they developed under Sean Lineen, they have got better and better.
“They have real strength in depth this year and I think they will be one of the strongest teams in the league. Their expectations are high so it is a tough first game up in Scotland.”
Davies also revealed his delight that the injury list at Cardiff Arms Park was clearing ahead of the big kick-off with summer recruit Gethin Jenkins and Sam Warburton both progressing well.
“Andries (Pretorius) will probably be another week and Cory Allen will be another week after his shoulder surgery. Other than that everyone is pretty fit,” he added.
“The Lions players potentially could have some involvement next week (against Connacht) and a fuller involvement against Zebre.
“Those who went away with Wales, the ones who are fit – and Lou Reed is a week away – are all ready to go. They are chomping at the bit.
“They have come through a good period of preparation and we gave the lads who had been away rest. They are fresh after a good pre-season and looking good.”