Corniel van Zyl has been building up to the team’s return to URC action, explaining how his side have used the recent break to recharge and reset ahead of a major challenge against Leinster this weekend at the Arms Park (7pm KO).

Nearly a month has passed since the Blue and Blacks last entered the field in against Ulster, but after a demanding run of 10 matches across the winter months, the timing of the pause was welcome.

“After every block we reassess what we want to do, where we want to go and what innovative things we can add to the team,” van Zyl explained. “It was good to get a break after that long block of 10 games. We’ve had three weeks back at it now and it’s been positive.”

With the Six Nations on hold across this weekend, Cardiff have been able to welcome back key figures sooner than anticipated, including the likes of captain Liam Belcher, Ben Thomas and Mason Grady. Promising Wales U20 talents have likewise been drafted into senior sessions ahead of Friday’s encounter.

“It’s definitely a big boost,” van Zyl added. “Some players we probably didn’t expect to be back are back, which has been a big lift throughout the week. You’ve also got the under-20 boys coming in as well, which helps. It allows us to train properly with the right numbers and has been a big lift for those players coming back.”

Attention now turns to Leinster, as despite an unusually slow start to their season, they have gone on a run of 11 games unbeaten. This resurgence is something that Corniel hasn’t been surprised.

“Their overall game is class. They’re known for getting energy from their defence. They attack very well, they’re very good at competing at the breakdown and their compete rate is high. They manage the middle of the field well, they attack when it’s on and they keep territory when it’s not. They kick well too.”

“But we have to concentrate on our game” van Zyl explained. “We need to go for it by putting pressure on them, and make them feel it like we did in the same fixture last year. We were under a lot of pressure that day and it became too much. So it’s important to start well and apply pressure when we can. It won’t be like that for the whole game, but when we’ve got the ball and the chance to apply it, we need to take it.”

Individually, van Zyl also spoke about the development of key players within the squad, particularly highlighting the traits of Taine “Bash” Basham. Basham, who joined the club in the summer from Dragons, has been a positive influence around the dressing room, with being particularly known for the personality and competitiveness he brings to the group.

“We know what he can bring if he gets it right,” he said. “He’s very explosive and fast with the ball in hand. Defensively and at the breakdown he’s aggressive and strong in that area.”

“Bash is a great one to have around,” van Zyl smiled. “He’s always at the front handing out a bit of banter – although he probably gets more back than he gives. He’s awesome to work with. Like all players, he’s got strong points and things to work on, and we try to nail those down and improve him not just as a player but as a human being.”