Fly half Gareth Anscombe has challenged Cardiff Blues to rise to the challenge in the closing weeks of the season as they prepare for another big derby day.
Cardiff Blues are back on home soil on Sunday when they tackle Newport Gwent Dragons in the Guinness PRO12 at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park (kick-off 2.30pm).
Anscombe admits confidence is high after a run of three successive league victories that was crowned by a big away win at Scarlets.
However, he insists the win at Parc y Scarlets last time out will count for nothing unless Cardiff Blues back it up back in the Welsh capital against the Dragons.
“We have to win against Dragons and keep the run going or the result at Scarlets counts for nothing – it is that simple,” said Anscombe.
“The Dragons were hard to face when we played them down at Newport and we were lucky to snatch one that day. We know what they bring.
“We enjoyed the Scarlets victory and some time off that the boys deserved before the final few hit outs this season.
“We have some big derby games to come and we have got to rise to that challenge.
“We were really pleased with the Scarlets result,” he added. “We started really well and played some good rugby to get some tries.
“The second half at Parc y Scarlets wasn’t as good as we would have liked so there are work-ons; but they are a good side pushing for a top four finish so they were always going to come strong.
“We showed our character in the final ten minutes. We boxed clever a man down and showed we can close our games.”
Anscombe finished with an 18-point haul in Llanelli, capped by a superb dummy to set up his second half try that ultimately proved the difference between the sides.
“It’s been hard to get a try – I would have liked a few more,” smiled Anscombe. “It’s just nice to contribute to the cause in any game and to get on the scoresheet was pleasing.
“It’s been a stop start season for me with Cardiff Blues, but the win was great and now we want to kick on the rest of the campaign. For me, it was the best performance in a Cardiff Blues jersey.
“I think our shape can cause any opposition problems and we probably left a few points out there against Scarlets,” he added.
“Our forwards were challenged to front up against a Welsh pack that day and they will go again hard against the Dragons.”
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