Jason Harries believes a result against Glasgow Warriors on Friday would be the perfect way to kick-start a crucial block of Guinness PRO14 and European fixtures.
Cardiff Blues return to competitive action at Scotstoun Stadium, following two weeks without a game, and will be looking to remain in the hunt for a top three spot in Conference A.
The Scottish outfit are currently the table leaders, after securing six wins from their opening eight encounters.
Despite missing a host of Scottish internationals, Harries insists the Warriors squad has an impressive strength-in-depth, making for a formidable challenge in Scotstoun.
“To kick off this block, it would be vital for us to get a win out in Glasgow. It would set us up nicely, especially in this conference as Glasgow are top of the table. There is a lot at stake at Scotstoun tonight,” said Harries.
“We’re coming into tonight’s game on the back of some good wins, getting the results in five of the last seven games.
“We’re heading into a crucial period now with some really tough games coming up in Glasgow and Ulster before facing Saracens back-to-back. Those four games are going to be massive for us.
“Glasgow are a good team and their results speak for themselves. They like to play an expansive style of rugby and it’s an exciting brand of rugby to watch because they score a lot of tries.
“It will be important for us to get our defensive performance correct and when we get opportunities we have to make sure we take them.
“They’re a good team, but we’re in a good place as well so it will make for an exciting challenge.
“Whoever will be coming into that team will be good players, and, like you’ve seen over the last couple of seasons, they’ve been able to keep results going when the international boys are away.
“Whoever plays for Glasgow, they have the same mantra for their style of play which is to play with width, have a strong offload game and go from anywhere.”
Next week, John Mulvihill’s side travel to Belfast to take on Ulster before a Heineken Champions Cup double-header against current English champions, Saracens.
The wing is excited for the challenges ahead, and believes the competition for places within the squad is a real positive for Wales’ Capital Region.
Harries said: “It will be exciting to have Saracens down at the Arms Park. We’re playing them back-to-back so those two weeks are going to be pretty big for us.
“Those are the games you want to play in. They’re big European games and big teams like Saracens coming down to Cardiff will be a massive challenge.”