Jason Harries says losing is not an option for Cardiff Blues as they prepare for a season-defining clash against Connacht on Saturday.
The wing is one of three changes made following last week’s defeat to Munster, as Wales’ Capital Region look to overtake their opponents to third place in Conference A.
Harries believes it’s important that his side concentrate on the task ahead and insists they are prepared for the tricky weather conditions at the Sportsground.
Harries said: “We have to win. That’s it.
“It’s come down to a massive game on Saturday out in Galway and this will define our season.
“When you put things into perspective with your targets at the start of the season, and the rollercoaster ride of a season, you get ups-and-downs, but we’ve put ourselves in a position where we have to win, and that’s all that will count.
“Whatever’s happened to this point, we have to put it behind us and look forward to the game on Saturday.
“We have an opportunity to finish the season strong and have the title as the best team in Wales and we’re slowly getting there.
“If we win these next two games we will reach our targets.
“We’ve looked at the conditions out in Galway, and it’s looking like it’s going to be 50 miles per hour winds.
“As a back three player, it can be a nightmare in those conditions, but we’ll adapt and we have a gameplan in place for those conditions. We’ll see how it is when we get over there.”
Harries also insists that qualifying for the Heineken Champions Cup for a second consecutive campaign is a motivation for his side.
“We want to be part of the Heineken Champions Cup again next season and moving forward after that,” said the wing.
“We’ve welcomed big sides to the Arms Park this season in Saracens, Lyon and Glasgow Warriors, and to get those games in front of sell-out crowds in Cardiff is massive for us as a team and for the region.
“We want to play against the best teams in Europe and the only way to do that is to qualify for the Champions Cup.”