Head Coach Danny Wilson admits the derby day clash with Ospreys in the Guinness PRO12 will see intensity levels crank up to another level.
Cardiff Blues head down the M4 to Swansea on Saturday to face the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium (kick-off 3pm).
The game will see a number of Welsh internationals go face-to-face and Wilson acknowledges both sets of players will be highly motivated to produce on the big stage.
“I’m sure from training this week that the boys are extremely motivated,” he said.
“It’s a derby match so it adds another level of intensity and it’s the closest thing to an international because of that.
“We are going to a side that, on the last two performances, are playing really well and have done well in Europe with their internationals back.
“They are well drilled and a challenge for us. But if there is ever a game to get you motivated, whether you are a coach or a player, it is a derby. We are looking forward to the away trip and the task ahead of us.
“Our whole focus is improving on field and improving this group of players – both tactically and technically,” he added.
“We need hard work in a training environment. We’ve had a longer turnaround between games and that gives us a spark in terms of the training week.
“I want us to go into the game in a fresh state, mentally and physically, and well prepared.
“We know going to the Ospreys and getting a performance is a priority.”