Lloyd Williams insists his side can bounce back from last week's defeat to Glasgow Warriors, during Saturday's European Challenge Cup trip to Pau.
Danny Wilson’s men return to European action this weekend, with the team currently joint on points with Pool Four leaders Bath Rugby, after four rounds of fixtures.
Scrum-half Williams believes the European competition can be a springboard to build momentum and confidence for the Guinness PRO12 campaign, and is anticipating a red hot atmosphere at Stade de Hameau.
“It’s always a big occasion to play in European competitions, and Saturday is no different. Everyone is looking forward to the game, and we will be going to France looking to secure a good result,” said Williams.
“We hope the European Challenge Cup is an opportunity for us to build some momentum towards our league campaign. We’ve been doing well in the competition so far, and this is a chance to re-install some confidence within the squad, so it’s a very important clash for us.
“Pau are a very physical side, with a pack who likes to take the game by the scruff of the neck. We weren’t at the races up in Glasgow last week, therefore it’s important we turn up on Saturday and show how physical we can be.”
Cardiff Blues secured a 27-12 victory over their French opponents at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park in October, and Welsh international, Williams, believes it’s important to continue the region’s proud history in European competitions.
Williams said: “Cardiff Blues have traditionally been strong on the European stage, and it’s important we try to maintain those standards in this competition.
“Matches in France are always big occasions, and the teams over there are proud when they play at home in front of large crowds. We want to go out there and attack as much as possible.
“We didn’t see much ball in the Glasgow match, so we’ve been working hard in training this week on turning possession. When we were in possession last week, we showed how dangerous we could be. But we need to work on aspects of our game where we can win and keep possession in tight matches.”