Josh Navidi is relishing a back-row battle with Justin Tipuric during Sunday’s Guinness PRO14 derby against the Ospreys.
Navidi returns to action for the first time since Wales’ defeat to England, as Cardiff Blues host their rivals at Rodney Parade.
On that day at Twickenham, Tipuric and Navidi were teammates but they will go into battle once more on opposite teams in the final game of the season.
Navidi said: “His career speaks for itself. He’s an outstanding footballer, he’s got an all round skill set, and at the breakdown he’s going to be a threat for us.
“He’s been fantastic and I enjoy playing alongside him because you know you have someone there who will cover your arse. You know what you’re going to get.
“He’s a quality rugby player and he’s been around for years. That shows with the way he plays – he offers everything around the park not just in one aspect. It just shows his skillset that he can play anywhere on the park.”
So how do you combat the Ospreys, Wales and British & Irish Lions star? “I’ll keep that to myself and ready for Sunday,” jokes Navidi. “He’s a tough one to handle and is always there competing.”
Navidi won’t just have to get to grips with Tipuric and co but new interpretations at the breakdown.
The trend has been an increase in penalties awarded the attacking team, something that should benefit Cardiff Blues’ style of play.
He continued: “Everyone knows at the minute that the defending team are getting awarded a lot of penalties. The referees are doing it by the book and are being really stringent.
“It’s about being whiter than white and if you’re the attacking team it’s about making sure you’re not coming in from the side and vice versa if you’re defending and looking to get the ball, you’re looking for a clear lift.
“The jackaler will reap the rewards and I think it has gone more towards the defending team now with the new rules.
“It’s a big focus for them at the moment. If you don’t get caught it’s alright, but you have to be the right side of the fine margin. You can be on the edge, but not over it.”