Lloyd Williams believes Cardiff Blues can learn from past European victories against French sides as they prepare to welcome Stade Francais to Rodney Parade on Saturday.
The scrum half, who is the most capped player in the current squad, has played his part in memorable victories against the likes of Pau, Toulouse, Lyon, Toulon, Racing 92 and Montpellier over his career.
And while he was pleased to kick off the Challenge Cup campaign with a win against Newcastle last week, he insists Cardiff Blues will not rest on their laurels as they continually look for improvements in their game.
“We were pleased as a team that we were able to away and win, but there were elements of that match that needed addressing and to be worked on,” said Williams.
“But on the whole, a win away from home was a good start for us.
“It’s tough to know what to expect with French sides and they can be quite random to play against.
“They’ve got a lot of deadly players in their squad, but it’s about who comes over and what team is picked.
“But we’re working on addressing the things that didn’t go well for us last week, and if that goes well and we bring a lot of effort then that should take care of things on the weekend.
“Our goals and progress in the Challenge Cup is always something you assess after the first two games.
“We’re not doing as well as we’d like in the league, and that’s probably a priority for us, but if we get a win on Sunday it probably opens up an opportunity to do something in the competition.
“There will be a different squad taking to the field on Sunday to the ones that have beaten French squads in the past and everyone is aware of that so it’s more a case of how we’ve gone about winning those games in previous years.
“They were down to us performing on the day more than anything and that’s something we’ve spoken about, so we’ll look to bring a big work rate and out-work them on Sunday.”
Sunday is set to be Cardiff Blues’ final home game of a very strange and disrupted 2020. Of course, due to the Dragon’s Heart Hospital being utilised at Cardiff Arms Park, they’ve been calling Rodney Parade their temporary home since August.
The Welsh international scrum half, who featured on the international stage over the autumn, has enjoyed his side’s time in Newport but is itching to play in front of a full house Cardiff Arms Park in the future.
“I’ve actually really enjoyed the surface at Rodney Parade. It’s a great track,” added the academy graduate.
“We’re grateful to be allowed to play there and it will be a bit strange to play against Dragons there on Boxing Day because it feels a bit like a home ground for us at the moment.
“It’s something that’s been good while we’ve had the chance to play there, but we’re all looking forward to going back to the Arms Park when the time is right.
“It’ll be something to look forward to when the fans come back especially because that’s what makes the occasion of playing at home. Until they come back it will be a bit different.
“But we’re looking forward to playing on the 4G and it’s always nice to play quick rugby on that surface.”