John Mulvihill believes consistency will be key as Cardiff Blues prepare to kick-off a new Guinness PRO14 season on Saturday (4pm).
Wales’ Capital Region get their 2019-20 campaign underway against Southern Kings and Mulvihill wants to see his side take the next step in their evolution.
The Blues narrowly missed out on a play-off place last season, losing eight games by a converted try or less, but Mulvihill believes greater consistency can make a considerable difference.
He said: “I like to think we’ll be a more consistent team. We play a really exciting brand of rugby, but we need to do that every week and not just when we really need to.
“We had some great wins last year like against Munster, Lyon away but then we would let ourselves down.
“We want to push towards the end of the season and reach the play-offs. With two extra wins we would definitely have reached the play-offs and we lost something like eight games by less than seven points.
“So, we need to improve our away form and find that bit of magic on the road, while backing up good performances on a consistent basis.”
Going into his second season in charge at Cardiff Arms Park. Mulvihill has been able to put more of his own stamp on the group.
A host of players departed, while the likes of Hallam Amos, Josh Adams, Will Boyde and Jason Tovey were brought on board, with several exciting academy prospects also stepping up.
In the back-room staff, Richie Rees was promoted to backs and attack coach, replacing Jason Strange, who left during the summer.
Mulvihill added: “About 19 players left the club in the summer, three of those retires and 16 moved on and there has been a little reshuffle of the staff as well. So, this group is more what I am about rather than another squad that I have inherited.
“It’s a really happy group, we love each other’s company and a win this weekend against the Kings would really set us up nicely.”
Cardiff Blues return to the Arms Park next Saturday when they host Edinburgh (5.15pm). Season Memberships and match tickets are available now by calling 029 20 302030 or clicking here.