Defence Coach Dale McIntosh insists Cardiff Blues are determined to perform in this season’s LV=Cup – and called on the young guns to ‘step up to the plate’ from the opening game.

Blues launch the region’s cup bid this Friday night against English Premiership outfit Worcester Warriors at the Arms Park (kick-off 7.30pm).

McIntosh acknowledges that Blues, without ten players on international duty, will have a fresh look against the Warriors.

But he believes every player will be keen to make an impression and keep hold of the jersey in the coming weeks.

“We are serious about the competition and like any competition we are in we want to win it,” said McIntosh.

“We lose our internationals so it is about managing your resource and you need the young players to step up to the plate.

“We’ve got changes and we’ve got injuries, but cowboys don’t cry at the end of the day and we have got to get on with it and roll our sleeves up. We are moving in the right direction and want to carry that on.”

Blues defeated Worcester 21-17 when the two teams met in pre-season at Sixways, but McIntosh believes Warriors will be a different prospect at the Arms Park.

“We beat Worcester in a friendly, but they will be a very different animal now,” he added.

“Their backs are against the wall because they have not got the results they would have wanted. A cornered bear reacts aggressively and we are expecting a backlash.

“We can’t worry about what team they send to us, we have got to focus on ourselves and make sure we are ready for anything they might throw at us.”

Tickets remain on sale for Blues versus Worcester Warriors this Friday night at the Arms Park in the LV=Cup. Call the Ticket Office on 02920 302030 or click HERE to buy online.