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We must concentrate on our own strengths says Scully

9th May 2018


Blaine Scully insists Cardiff Blues must continue to focus on their own strengths ahead of Friday's Challenge Cup final against Gloucester at Bilbao.

The two sides faced off in last season’s quarter final, where the Cherry and Whites came out on top in a game of two halves at Kingsholm.

The USA international admits occasions like Friday is why he plays the game, and is expecting a tough challenge from the Aviva Premiership outfit. 

“It’s why we play the game - to be in finals rugby. We’re all really excited and obviously and anxious to get down to Bilbao,” said Scully.

"We’ve had a really good training week and have been focusing on the stuff we’ve focused on all year, which is trying to be the best versions of ourselves.

“I’ve only had the opportunity to play in European quarter finals in the past so personally, I’m chuffed to have the opportunity to compete in a final.

“The most important thing for us it to continue to be who we are. 

“There’s a lot on the game outside of playing Gloucester because they’re Gloucester. We have the opportunity to play in a final and against a quality team and we’ll look to do something special for ourselves and our supporters, and that’s important for us.

“We always respect the opposition we’ll face on the weekends, but if we do the things that are going to help us be better, the scoreline will take care of itself.”

Danny Wilson’s side are one of the tournament leaders in defence, and the wing believes they can once again use their defensive system as an attacking weapon.

Scully is also proud of his side’s character over the course of the season, and believes the squad are closer than ever.

“We need to stay in our systems and our defence has been a real weapon of ours recently. We’re excited to go out there and put in another good shift,” said Scully.

“I think we’ve shown a lot of character of the campaign and it shows a lot of growth in our collective unit, and we’ve continued to focus on being connected as a group and enjoy playing with each other.

“We’ve become much tighter and more important to each other. A mark of a good team is caring about the people you come to work with each day, and we have that care for each other and what we put out there on the field for ourselves, our supporters and the club. 

“We’ve always had a belief in each other and what we can do and it’s one of those things where you have to continue to try to get better every day. We need to continue to do the right stuff and it will get us there.”