The Ospreys head to Cardiff this weekend knowing that they will face a tough challenge.
Despite their exit from the Heineken Cup, it is clear for all to see that there have been significant improvements at the Blues and this season there is more of an edge - both up front and behind the scrum, to their game. With Rush, Martyn Williams, Ben Blair, to name just a few, they have proven this season to be capable of competing with Europe's
best and the Ospreys players and management are mindful of their strengths and of the significance of a solid team performance that will be required.
Although our results have gone well with us for most of the season, we know that we have another level to step up as we embark on a tough Christmas campaign against the other Welsh Regional teams and this straight back into the remaining crucial Heineken Cup fixtures.
We must not forget also that we face the Blues in the EDF Energy Cup Semi Final in March and so there will be much
to play for.