Director of Rugby Phil Davies has reiterated his belief that Cardiff Blues have the ability to mount a serious campaign in the Heineken Cup this season - but acknowledges they start with a serious examination at Exeter Chiefs on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 12.45pm).
Blues make the trip to Sandy Park to face a Chiefs side that are full of confidence and in-form after defeating Gloucester Rugby last weekend.
However, Davies remains confident that Blues have the match winners to go toe-to-toe with Exeter if they are prepared for a tough physical test.
“It is massive physical battle and also there is a need to be quick with our defensive set-up,” said Davies.
“It’s a terrific match up with battles all over pitch. We are talking about speed and power. We need to make sure intensity is to the forefront for us.
“We have got to be realistic; all the sides have got match winners. But we have players who have proven ability, Lions series winners, Welsh internationals.
“We have individual ability and it is the collective cohesion that we need to develop. If you get momentum then who knows what can happen.
“I remember when I was at Llanelli and we went through the group stages unbeaten and into semi-finals. That was about momentum and skill. But a year later we didn’t win a game. You must take your chances in this competition.
“It’s an opportunity for us, but at home they (Exeter) are a tough nut to crack. We saw how they took Gloucester apart and they are a good team. We k now what we have got to do and negate to get the momentum to win the match.”