I was pleased with our win against Sale in the EDF Energy Cup match although realistically it was only a 55 minute performance. It was very much the same up in Leicester on Saturday. I thought the score line totally flattered them, but they taught us a few lessons about taking your opportunities. Luckily against Sale Sharks we had enough of a buffer to hold on, but against the Tigers we didn't take our opportunities in the first half and went in at the break 9-6 down.

We were then handed a yellow card and that obviously kills teams when games are so close. During the ten minutes we conceded twelve points and sloppy play by us put them in front. However, with fifteen minutes to go we were only eight points behind, so we were well in the game. I don't think the score reflected the match but there are lessons to be learnt. Taking opportunities, defence and discipline are key areas.

It was a huge concern that we played for eighteen minutes with only fourteen men. Ten minutes through our own fault and the last eight because we had picked up so many injuries - we had no players left. It was a worry not only in that game but going into the Heineken Matches. Injuries to key players such as Nicky Robinson, Jamie Roberts, Rhys Williams and Maama Molitika, has tested us. Hopefully they will be back on the field by today but it hasn't given us perfect preparation for the Bristol match.

Our opponents today have a lot of experience in their team. I would expect them to play to their strengths, which I think is upfront and they will want to keep it tight. They also have some physical players behind as well which will be a threat. I expect them to take us on at the set piece, try to dominate around the ruck and maul area, and to be very direct behind the scrum. One of their other strengths is there blitz defence, so they'll be putting pressure on us when we've got the ball. There's been a massive physicality in the two games we've played in the EDF Energy Cup, and that's something you can say about English rugby as a whole.

For many people, the stand out favourites in our group will be Stade Francais. They have an exceptionally strong squad and a rich history in the competition. There are very few occasions they haven't progressed through the group stages. If you look at the other three teams, they will all feel that they can take points off each other and it's very hard to pick a winner in any of those games. We won't be afraid of each other and that all ads to the excitement of the tournament.

The competition, I feel, is the measuring stick for all teams. Everyone wants to do well in it and stake their claim as one of the best teams in Europe. Obviously you have to be a quality team to even get into the competition in the first place and there won't be any easy games across the groups.

Winning your home games is of paramount importance and teams will try to pick up points on the road. Everyone's focus is the same; you've got to get through the group stages. After that they are all one off games. If you don't go through as a winner then teams will be aiming to go through as runners up. It's eluded us here in Wales for the past few seasons. Hopefully we can have a good challenge this year. Teams like Leicester and Wasps have shown the way with the strength in depth that they've have. These teams are bringing on full internationals off the bench. In Wales you just have to look at the Ospreys; they can bring the likes of Justin Marshall, Ian Gough, Marty Holah off the bench. However, I think the Blues have improved every year. That is partly because players have gained experience and partly to do with our recruitment.

Finally I would like to pay tribute to Ray Gravell who passed away last week. Ray was one of the nicest blokes you could possibly meet and would always liven up the place whenever he was at the Arms Park. He was a larger than life character and it will be strange not being interviewed by him during matches. He was a great example to all rugby pundits in the fact that he was extremely positive in everything he did and was liked by all the coaching team and players. Our thoughts are with his family.

David Young