Defence Coach Dale McIntosh has demanded Cardiff Blues 'stand up and be counted' and respond in the right manner when they face Leinster Rugby in the RaboDirect PRO12 at the Arms Park on Thursday (kick-off 8.05pm).
Blues slipped to a late 27-20 defeat to Glasgow Warriors on Friday night in a performance that left the coaching team both frustrated and disappointed.
The squad now has the quick opportunity to bounce back as they face high-flying Leinster on home soil – with the Irish province fresh from a try bonus point win over Newport Gwent Dragons.
And former Pontypridd boss McIntosh wants Blues to react in the right manner to the blow of the late Glasgow loss.
“We played well enough in the first half against Glasgow and felt we were in control of the game,” said McIntosh. “We talked at the break about what we wanted to achieve in the second half, which was controlling areas of the pitch and not making errors, but we just didn’t carry it out.
“That’s not acceptable as far as we are concerned, especially for the supporters and the jersey.
“We needed composure and there are leaders within that dressing room. We need people to stand up and be counted.
“We can’t accept what happened out there,” he added. “We have got to play for 80 minutes because playing for 40 or 45 minutes just isn’t good enough. We have to react in the right way and that means against Leinster.”
Tickets for the crucial league clash with Leinster Rugby are on sale NOW from the Ticket Office on 02920 302030 or by clicking on www.cardiffblues.com/tickets