Danny Wilson is relishing a return to Bristol as Cardiff Blues aim to bounce back from their derby defeat to the Ospreys.
Wales’ Capital Region were left licking their wounds following the heavy loss at the Liberty Stadium but now turn their attention to the European Challenge Cup and a clash with Bristol.
Wilson spent a season as forwards coach at Ashton Gate and is looking forward to revisiting familiar surroundings. But most importantly he is determined to see his side put in a performance more akin to those seen earlier in the season.
“We addressed it (the Ospreys) after the game emotionally and on Monday without the emotion,” said Wilson.
“Ultimately nothing has changed from what I said after the game, we didn’t approach it physically as we have in the last five and when you play a good team like the Ospreys it’s going to cost you.
“The yellow card was big turning point in the game but I’m not blaming it for the amount of missed tackles we made in that period. They were all simple one on one tackles which were missed.
“But we have dealt with it and moved on. We played five games and started well with five good performances, four wins and a tight defeat to Leinster which could have gone either way.
“We have addressed it and we move on into Europe and then another derby when we come out of Europe.
“It’s important that we show a performance and bounce back from last weekend. We have a better group of players than that.
“We got outmuscled for no other reason but we were not at the races which is very disappointed especially for derby but Bristol gives us the opportunity to bounce back.
“This week almost has a derby feel and there is a bit of history there, given that Matt (Sherratt) and myself worked for Andy (Robinson) at Bristol. It makes for an exciting encounter at what I’m certain will be a packed Ashton Gate.”
Bristol, who were promoted to the Premiership for this season, are yet to win a match but Wilson insists they are not to be underestimated.
The Blues edged past them in pre-season and Wilson expects another physical battle.
He added: “Bristol are searching for their first win and have a star-studded team searching for it.
“They have a very big squad so if they do make some changes they will still be strong. They have spent a lot of money and have a very big pack of forwards, a big set-piece and they play some rugby as well.
“It’s a great venue, Ashton Gate is a fantastic stadium, they will have a big crowd so it makes for a good occasion and it’s a game we need to bounce back quickly from.”