Once they have relived the pre-match meals of French fries and waffles, at the Dolphin Hotel in Swansea and remembered the vast quantities of alcohol consumed, they look ahead to the challenges they face this season with Cardiff Blues.

This is Rush's third season at the club, which he now captains, Blair is in his second, while Tito and Spice are the new boys, the latter joining from the Blues' arch rivals the Ospreys this summer.

The last time a Cardiff side made it to the last eight of the Heineken Cup was in 2001. This season they're in a pool with Stade Français, Bristol and Harlequins - and this Kiwi quartet are looking to end the team's quarter-final blues...

Sarah Mockford of Rugby World caught up with the four New Zealanders.

RW: So what do you make of your Heineken Cup draw?
XR: It looks better than last year. There are four competitive sides. Quins started pretty well, Stade Français are never easy, especially in France, and while Bristol haven't started as well as last year they'll still be more than a handful.
JS: It's a pool where all four teams will look to go through, whereas some teams will be thinking they've got no chance.
BB: Last year there wasn't the belief, but now it's good.
XR: We put in good performances last season at home to Leicester and in Munster. We were competitive.
BB: Yeah, we were competitive without nailing it.
XR: I think we're more confident now. What do you think, Benny? Are we more confident than last year?
BB: Yeah, there's definitely more confidence in the camp.
RW: Jason, you've played against Stade Français a few times for the Ospreys. How do you rate them?
JS: They're one of the best travelling French sides. They're a massive driving team and are dangerous if you turn over ball. But if you keep the ball and don't get turned over, you're in the game.
PT: We'll want to get them in good weather if they're a driving team.
JS: Not really, if they turn over ball and have backs in space they're dangerous. Their forwards aren't imaginative but they'll go all day.
RW: What about Bristol?
PT: They've got a few Kiwis over there as well - Sean Hohneck, Dave Hill, Andrew Blowers...
XR: The conditions will play a factor. We'll want to take the physical game to them and get a bit of go-forward.
RW: And Harlequins?
PT: I've watched a bit of them on replays and it looks like they're going pretty good.
JS: They've got Chris Malone from Bath at five-eighth now and he's added more control.
RW: Last year you lost to Leicester and Munster at home. Isn't it vital to win your home games this time?
XR: Statistics show that teams who win their home games teams are more dangerous so it's pretty crucial.
JS: By the same token you still have to win an away game or two. Teams like Leicester are used to winning those close ones away, unlike Welsh teams in the past couple of years.
RW: Is making the last eight a big target for you this year?
BB: Definitely, the quarter-finals are at the back of everyone's minds. It'd be disappointing not to make it.
RW: So can you win it?
PT: Let's get to the quarter-finals first. One step at a time.
JS: It always pays not to look too far ahead.

To read the full interview, see the new issue of Rugby World magazine, on sale Tuesday 6 November.

Tickets are now available for the Cardiff Blues v Bristol match on Sunday 11th November 1.00pm kick off at Cardiff Arms Park.

Tickets are priced at £5 for juniors and £15 for adults in the Family Stand and Terrace. £5 for Juniors and £19 for adults in the Grandstand and £24 for adults in the Premier stand.

Tickets can be purchased online at cardiffblues.com. Tickets will be on general sale from the Ticket Office by calling 029 2030 2030 or in person from the Shop at the Arms Park.

There has been massive interest in the match from both home and away fans as Bristol return to the competition for the first time since 2002/3 season. To guarantee their seat hundreds of Blues supporters have already reserved their seat for the three European Cup pool games against Bristol, Stade Francais and Harlequins by purchasing their Heineken Cup Pass for just £40.