Aled Summerhill is relishing Friday’s United Rugby Championship clash with Ulster and has called on Cardiff to take full advantage of the opportunity that lies ahead.
In a season dominated by logistical issues, postponements and cancellations, Cardiff return to action for the first time in five weeks.
Last time out they upset the odds with a deserved last-gasp victory over reigning champions and current leaders Leinster, and they face another significant challenge against second-placed Ulster.
Summerhill had two key involvements in a stunning try for Hallam Amos in the victory against Leinster and is looking forward to getting back out on the pitch on Friday.
“There’s been a lot of disruption the last few months but hopefully now, fingers crossed, we have a good group of games coming up and the boys are looking forward to it.
“Obviously the last game against Zebre, nobody saw that coming - it wasn’t a Covid issue, more the weather.
“The boys have been training well, we’ve obviously had a lot of time training together, going through things we wouldn’t have time to if we had games so I’m looking forward to getting out over there and putting a good performance in.
“Ulster is actually one of my favourite places to play. Their crowd is really good. They get on our backs but that brings out the best in us and I’m looking forward to it.”
As it stands, Cardiff are 12th in the URC table but are just 10-points off sixth and boast up to five games in hand over the teams around them.
Two of those fixtures in hand are in South Africa, as the Blue and Blacks return to the Rainbow Nation following the Covid-19 issues last year.
They will be among the first clubs to play on South African soil and it will undoubtedly be a daunting challenge, however with a total of 11 Championship encounters to come, Summerhill is acutely aware that Cardiff’s destiny is in their own hands and they can climb the table.
Summerhill added: “We have a good opportunity, we’re 11th (12th) in the league but we have a lot of games in hand and this is a big block for us. Hopefully we can get some more wins and climb up that table.
“We had a good win last time out against Leinster so we need to back that up, go out there and get more of the same.
“We haven’t had many games but now, all of a sudden they are coming in one big block! It’s going to test the squad but the boys can’t wait.
“With our pitch and the weather (in spring), that’s massive for us backs to express ourselves. It’s not always ideal when you have the pouring down rain and heavy pitches as a wing but hopefully there will be a break in the weather and that will suit us.
“It’s a big opportunity in this block, the squad will get used and we all need to step up, take our chances and hopefully climb up that table.”
Tickets for all remaining confirmed home fixtures at Cardiff Arms Park (Glasgow, Scarlets, Ospreys) are available now and can be purchased by calling 029 20 302030 or clicking here.