Attack Coach Paul John has demanded Cardiff Blues react in the right manner to the 'frustration and disappointment' of European defeat - and urged them to play with passion in the final four games of the Guinness PRO12 season.
Cardiff Blues head to Scotland this Friday as they face high-flying Glasgow Warriors at the Scotstoun Stadium (kick-off 7.35pm).
John admits the pain of derby day defeat to Dragons remains as Blues look to pick themselves up and produce an improved display in Glasgow.
However, he believes the way in which the squad responds is crucial as they look to start to build for the future and create a stronger environment.
“It’s easy to be disappointed, but it’s how you react to that,” he said. “You can’t just pout about it, we want an environment here where you react to it by giving the very best you can next time.
“This environment has got to be strong from within and whenever you put the jersey on it has got to be the best of your ability.
“We want people here that when you play for the region every game matters,” he added.
“We are up against a team this weekend towards the top of the league and who are playing really well. We’ve got to go and play with passion.
“We have two derby games left too plus Zebre at home in the Guinness PRO12. We need some positives. In the derby games we have some big head-to-heads and players who will want to prove a point in World Cup year. There is plenty to prove.”
Reflecting on the Dragons defeat, John admits Cardiff Blues must produce a more complete display in Scotland to push a Glasgow side that has sights on the top four.
He said: “The disappointment and frustration has not gone away. Looking back, we played really well for 30 minutes and put ourselves in a good position and had opportunities we didn’t take in the last part of the first half when we rushed things.
“Second half we didn’t get a foothold at all and lineouts went astray, we missed kicks to touch and a few kicks got charged down. All those things meant we couldn’t get into the game.
“In the last ten minutes we put ourselves in a position to win again. It was frustrating and fair play to the Dragons they capitalised on our mistakes, but we contributed to our own downfall. We have got to get better and improve.”