Macauley Cook expects to face a huge challenge during this weekend's European Challenge Cup trip to Toulouse, but insists the squad is extremely motivated for the task ahead.
The utility forward crossed the whitewash for his side’s third try during last week’s bonus point victory over Top 14 leaders, Lyon, at Cardiff Arms Park.
Cook, who has featured in five of his side’s seven games so far this season, believes the Blues can take positives from their first half performance against Lyon, as they aim to build momentum ahead of the Guinness PRO14 trip to Scarlets in a fortnight.
“We’re delighted with the result and sealing the victory. I thought our first half performance was excellent, and we probably could’ve put a few more points on the board,” said Cook.
“We fell off a little bit during the second half as the sting was taken out of the game and the tempo slowed down, but we can be over the moon with a bonus point win.
“It’s always a good feeling to get over the line, and I stayed out on the flanks for that one!
“But the boys put in an excellent performance and it’s pleasing to start the Challenge Cup with a bonus point win.
“We know that we can play exciting, attacking rugby, but we also need to concentrate on our defence, and it was pleasing to keep them out throughout the first half.”
Cook continued: “We can work on the weaknesses we showed during the second half during the week ahead of another huge clash at Toulouse next week.
“We’re not sure what team Toulouse will field, but they’re going very well in the Top 14 at the minute, and we know it’s going to be a huge challenge to go out there and get the result.
“We have an idea what they’ll bring to the game, but it’s important for us to concentrate on our own performance and we’re extremely excited for the task ahead.
“The preparations have been kept in the same way as we would for a PRO14 fixtures. We look analyse a bit of their games and their patterns but it’s good and refreshing to be able to put the Championship to one side and concentrate on Europe for a bit.”