Ben Thomas insists there will be no love lost when Cardiff Blues take on their Welsh regional rivals over the next two weeks.
Wales' Capital Region return to Guinness PRO14 action for the first time in almost seven months with back-to-back derby matches to bring the campaign to an end.
The young playmaker, who has enjoyed a breakthrough year with his home region, is raring to get some game time under his belt and expects a thrilling affair at Parc y Scarlets.
"I’m really excited and can’t wait to get on the pitch. It’s been quite a long period since we played but we’ve been training and getting ready for it and now it’s just coming to the day on the weekend," said the former Wales under-20 international.
"They are massive. There might not be crowds but a derby is a derby at the end of the day so all of the boys are bouncing to get stuck into each other and hopefully it has the same vibe.
"It will be the same old from the Scarlets. They like to play an expansive brand of rugby, plenty of throwing the ball around, which isn’t too dissimilar to us so weather permitting it should be an exciting game to watch.
"We had a close game earlier in the season. We didn’t get off to a great start but it was neck and neck at the start and with a few kicks going the other way it could have been a different result.
"It’s a derby at the end of the day and we want to win but the priority is to get our performance right and then the result should look after itself.
"These games can definitely be a springboard going into next season. If we can get a couple of good performances in now, a couple of weeks pre-season and it should stand us in good stead for October."
Having previously impressed in the Blue and Black of Cardiff RFC, Thomas has been in fine form since making the step up to regional rugby. He marked his first senior start with a try in the stunning victory over Pau and has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, making 11 appearances and scoring two tries.
However, the 21 year old is certainly not resting on his laurels, and expects the summer signings to provide further competition within the squad.
"It’s weird and does feel like the start of a new season. We have another little pre-season after these two games but for us this is a new start and hopefully we can get stuck in," added the 2018/19 Academy Player of the Season.
"Although on paper I haven’t had a full season, I do feel like I have one under my belt now and I’m just looking forward to getting cracking.
"I’m sure focusing on playing week in, week out here, hopefully I can get a good few games under my belt and let the minutes clock up.
"It’s good to have Carré back. It only feels like a few months since he’s been gone but it’s good to have him, Cory and Scully and they have added to this group, especially with Cory being the senior player that he is."