Phil Davies admits excitement is growing ahead of the new Heineken Cup campaign as Cardiff Blues prepare to kick-off with an away clash at Exeter Chiefs on Sunday (kick-off 12.45pm)
Blues have been drawn in Pool 2 this season with defending champions Toulon, RaboDirect PRO12 rivals Glasgow Warriors and Aviva Premiership outfit Exeter.
First up is a trip to Sandy Park this weekend to face the Chiefs, who go into the game on the back of an impressive 29-12 victory over Gloucester Rugby.
Davies acknowledges his team face a stern test against a well drilled and accomplished Exeter outfit, that could include several former Blues players in the starting line-up.
However, he is hopeful that the morale-boosting 29-12 win over Edinburgh Rugby at the weekend will give his team the perfect platform to perform in Europe.
“We seem to be picking up before Europe, everyone is fit and hopefully we can now go into a massive game with Exeter on the front foot,” said Davies.
“We know the competition is huge and there is a buzz and excitement about it. We have got to look forward to the next few weeks.
“There was a lot of endeavour against Edinburgh and we build pressure and points. The performances are good and there is quality, it is now about being consistent and that is slowly starting to happen.
“There will be a packed house at Sandy Park and it will be a physical game,” he added.
“There will be territorial battles and breakdown battles. But we are looking forward to it.
“Exeter are a good club, well run and organised, and that group of players has been together for a long time. The nucleus has been there for a while, there is a stability there and they are a tough team to beat.”