Josh Turnbull has issued a rallying call to the Cardiff Blues supporters ahead of Saturday's Guinness PRO14 clash against Zebre at Cardiff Arms Park (KO 7.35pm)
Having secured back-to-back bonus points victories against Dragons and Lyon in the last two home games at the Welsh capital, a win on Saturday would see Danny Wilson’s side leapfrog their Italian opposition in Conference A.
After Saturday’s match, attentions will turn to the Anglo-Welsh Cup, where Cardiff Blues take on Newcastle Falcons and Ospreys in the opening two rounds of action.
Turnbull has been impressed with the improved performances by the Parma-based outfit this season and insists the home crowd can make a difference on the night, as they look to finish the first block of European and PRO14 fixtures in style.
“It’s a massive one for us, especially when we get a good turn-out at the Arms Park - they’re the 16th man,” said Turnbull.
“We want to go out and finish this first block with a bang. We had a couple of good performances in Europe, but a little bit disappointed against Scarlets and we want to put thing right this weekend.
“From what we’ve seen in analysis, Zebre have come to play this season. Teams have kicked long to them and they’ve kept the ball for a long time and gone through the phases, and we’ll have to be patient with that.
“We need to bring line speed, take it get into their faces and be confrontational, and that will happen because they want to play from deep.
“We spoke as a group on Tuesday that we didn’t turn up phyiscally against Scarlets last week.
“Defensively, we got outdone a couple of times by things that haven’t happened to us many times this season, like people driving through us in the scrum and conceding driving line-out tries, so to concede that is disappointing.
“As professional rugby players we have to put that right, move on to this weekend to a big fixture at the Cardiff Arms Park against Zebre.”
Turnbull is one of five Cardiff Blues players to agree new deals and extend their stay at Cardiff Arms Park recently, alongside Corey Domachowski, Rhun Williams, Seb Davies and Blaine Scully.
The Welsh international was delighted to extend his stay at Wales’ Capital Region, and is excited to see other important squad members sign the dotted line.
Turnbull said: “As players, we sign for Cardiff Blues, want to play for Cardiff Blues, play for the Cardiff Blues fans.
“I was the first one to sign out of five boys, and they’re five boys that include talented young players alongside Blaine Scully, who is a leader within this squad.
“It’s key to get the right balance in the squad and I was chuffed to bits to sign the new contract.”
Guinness PRO14 action returns to Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, as Cardiff Blues host Zebre. Make sure you grab your tickets by clicking HERE! We encourage supporters to use the 'Print at Home' option in order to avoid matchday queues, and purchasing beforehand will avoid a £4 surcharge.