Macauley Cook is under no illusions of the importance of tonight's Guinness PRO14 encounter with Connacht at Cardiff Arms Park (7.35pm).
Cardiff Blues return to PRO14 action aiming to complete a double over the Irish outfit, who sit one place and one point above them in Conference A.
Cook starts in the back-row and he is relishing the challenge that lies ahead as Cardiff Blues target a play-off place.
The versatile forward said: “It’s a massive game and we’ve spoke this week about what is at stake if we beat them. We can climb above in the table and get in to those European places.
“We know how important this game is but we also know how good our form has been in the league. We’ve had a good week’s training and just need to turn up focused and get the job done.
“We’re confident and very positive going into Friday and hopefully we can produce another performance like at home against with Zebre with good line-speed and attack.”
The Blues go on the road to Glasgow Warriors next week, before back-to-back European Challenge Cup encounters with Sale Sharks.
With two wins from two, Wales’ Capital Region sit top of their pool and Cook knows it is a vitally important period.
He added: “It’s a busy period where we need to focus and keep performing every week. It’s a massive block with two big European games as well.
“Everything is to play for, we’re in a good position to go through if we keep winning so we’re definitely focusing on them as well.”
Tickets for Connacht are still available to purchase, while Mid-Season Memberships go on sale at the Sale Sharks game. Click here for more information.