As Cardiff Blues prepare to welcome Benetton Rugby to the Welsh capital, Lloyd Williams insists Cardiff Blues must be "on-the-money" if they are to continue their impressive winning streak in the Guinness PRO14.
Danny Wilson’s side head into Friday’s encounter on the back of three consecutive Championship wins, and are looking to put pressure on third-placed Cheetahs for a place in the end-of-season play-off.
And with plenty at stake in both domestic and European competitions, Williams says the squad are highly motivated heading into the final quarter of the campaign.
“The last three games have been great for us. We’ve won and that’s really given us a chance in the Championship, and now we now how important this last quarter of the season is,” said Williams.
“We’re still at the stage where we’re competing in the PRO14 and in Europe, so every game will be important for us. We want to continue winning.
“We’ve got confidence and we’re on a bit of a run at the moment. But we’re equally aware that the run can come to an end if we’re not on the money.
“We made the quarter final last year as well and there was such a buzz around the game against Gloucester, as well as Judgement Day. They’re big games and as a player you’re naturally up for it.
“As long as there is something to play for, it’s easy to sustain your motivation, and we’re really hoping to kick on over the next few weeks. We’ll take each week as it comes and hopefully thing will keep going well.”
Benetton also head into the clash on the back of a fine run of form, with five wins in their last six fixtures.
Williams is aware of the danger the Italian outfit pose, and he’s been impressed by the impact made from the likes of Martyn Banks and Monty Ioane in recent weeks.
Wilson said: “It’s a bit of a talking point around the PRO14, that the Italian sides are much stronger, and even away from home they’re doing well, so we’re under no illusions about what we’re up against on the weekend.
“We know it’s a big game and one that we need to win because it’ll have effect on where we stand in the table as well.
“They’ve been strong this season, so it’s going to be a tough test for us. They’ve kept their physical edge, which they’ve had over the years, but they’ve also added a couple of things to their gameplan.
"Marty Banks seems to be pulling the strings there and real danger-men on the wing, which have a knack for scoring at the moment.
“It’s going to be a tough game, but if we manage to get the result we want, it would be a good one to celebrate.”
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