Seb Davies is relishing a physical showdown against the Vodacom Bulls as Cardiff return to the Arms Park in the BKT United Rugby Championship on Friday night (19:35).
The Blue and Blacks take on the Bulls following a narrow defeat at the Parc Y Scarlets last weekend.
After two Welsh derbies in two successive weekends, with a victory and a loss, Davies and the squad are now turning their attention to the physical South African outfit.
“The Scarlets game was quite frustrating. We gave ourselves the chances to win it didn't we?" said Davies.
“Especially after the start, we probably could have done with going in at half time with another score. It was frustrating. But in previous years we got beaten by more points and then we wouldn't have had a losing bonus point. So that's a positive we can take from it.
“The Bulls are a different challenge and they’re a bit more forward-dominated. It's going to be physical, but we're looking forward to it.
“I'm hoping we perform for this one on the weekend and hopefully get the victory. Playing at the Arms Park is special, especially if there's a big crowd, and when you’re against good opposition, so we're all looking forward to it.”
Davies began the season packing down at number 8 due to injuries but moved into his more familiar role in the second row at the Scarlets.
In a season where experience is at a premium, the 27-year-old has an abundance of knowledge and versatility that will be invaluable to the Blue and Blacks.
Davies was asked whether it has any impact on how he feels and how he plays when he is moved around the pack.
“It's been good ( playing second row ). Our squad this year is a bit smaller, and we had quite a lot of injuries with the likes of Jim being injured. So I just covered for him in the back row, which I'm happy to do. I enjoyed it. I’m out in the middle of the field a bit more so it was good.
“I am one of the older ones in the squad this year. But it's just good to see a lot of younger boys coming through. I'
“We’ve known them for a long time, and all the people around my age, like Belch, they’re all doing well. We've actually had Belch leading the team a lot this year, which is good to see.”
“I think Jocky's mentioned it a lot this year. There's going to be a lot of younger boys having to play minutes, play more minutes than maybe they would if we had a bigger squad. It's just a good experience for them, getting them out on the field and playing senior rugby.”