Hallam Amos is determined to build on his brace against Connacht and put his recent knee injury behind him, as he prepares to line-up against Munster in the Guinness PRO14’s first Monday Night Rugby.
The utility back’s scores were instrumental at Rodney Parade as Cardiff Blues made it two from two, setting up an early top of the table clash against Munster in Conference B.
The Cardiff University medical student had an operation on his knee after picking up an injury against Benetton Rugby in February, but recovered during lockdown to make his return against Scarlets in August.
Amos believes he is thriving by playing alongside the likes of Jarrod Evans, Willis Halaholo and Rey Lee-Lo, and hopes a run of games with the region will allow him to build consistency in his game.
“Playing with the boys we have here, like Jarrod at 10 and Willis and Rey in the centre - they’re some of the best players I’ve ever played with,” said the Welsh international.
“It’s fantastic to play outside them and being given the opportunities I’ve been given. They’re quality players and it’s great to experience taking to the field with them.
“I had a knee operation just before lockdown started, and now it’s about getting back to the pitch and getting some consistency.
“Over the 10 years of my career, I’ve had my fair share of injuries so it’s always a constant battle to get some consistency and game time under my belt so we’ll see where we’re at in a few weeks time.”
Munster also head into Monday’s encounter with a winning start to the season, following victories over Scarlets and Edinburgh.
With confidence on both sides, Amos expects a thrilling encounter at Thomond Park but insists his side are refusing to rest on their laurels.
“It’s a bit different with the way the week has been structured and we’re not used to playing on a Monday. But it’s been a good week and we’re in a good place at the moment,” said the 26 year old.
“We can go into this match with some confidence and training is a good place to be at the moment.
“If we’d been offered this start ahead of the season, we definitely would’ve taken it so it’s about carrying that on now.
“If’s an old cliché, but you’re only as good as your last game and while we’re in a good place we want to build. There’s always things to work on so hopefully we can implement them on Monday night.
“We haven’t lost as many to the national side as we’d been hoping for but there’s boys here who are ready to go out on the weekend and put their all in.
“There is an opportunity for other boys who have stepped up fantastically so far.
“It’s exciting. Munster are obviously a quality side. They’re traditionally, and the same is true for today’s game, one of the strongest teams in the league.
“It’s going to be tough but that’s why we play the game. Maybe they don’t have the home field advantage because of the Covid restrictions that they usually would have so it’s a great opportunity for us.”