John Mulvihill is relishing his first experience of a Welsh derby as Saturday's Guinness PRO14 clash with the Dragons looms.
Following back-to-back victories, Cardiff Blues have climbed to fourth in Conference A and now face a trip to Rodney Parade.
Wales’ Capital Region have triumphed in the last six meetings against their rivals to the East and Muvihill expects a red-hot reception in Newport.
“It will be fantastic down there. It’s the first Welsh derby for us and it’s going to be hostile, the build-up is going to be good and the game’s going to be fantastic.
“It’s mates playing their mates, the Welsh coaches will be there and running their microscope over it.
“We have a good back-row and they have a great back-row, they will be all over each other and hopefully the breakdown will be refereed properly.
“I’ve watched them a couple of times and have gone to see them live and what I like about them is they really get into the contest; they move the ball quite well but they are a big momentum team.
“Their 12 takes the ball over the gain line, I’m sure Moriarty will come round the corner and they will be really physical and aggressive.
“Rhodri Williams their scrum-half has a great little kicking game and will snipe around the fringes so they have threats in their forwards and also international front-rowers and in their back-line. They will pose us as many hassles as the Cheetahs did if we let them play.”
The Rodney Parade encounter is the last match in the PRO14 before attentions turn to the Blues return to the Heineken Champions Cup.
Mulvihill’s men kick-off with a trip to face Lyon, who they beat twice last season, before welcoming Glasgow Warriors to the Arms Park on Sunday, October 21. Tickets are available now and can be purchased by clicking here or calling 029 20 302030.