James Ratti insists Cardiff Blues’ forwards have a point to prove as they head to Munster on Friday for a crucial Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup clash at Thomond Park.
Having switched from lock to number eight, the 23 year old has impressed in the back row during the Rainbow Cup campaign. After a stand-out performance in the bonus point win over Scarlets, Ratti will once again line up in the back row in Limerick, joining captain Josh Turnbull and the returning James Botham.
However, the six foot five forward believes that simply matching Munster in the physicality battle won’t be enough if the pack are to impose themselves on the encounter in southern Ireland.
“You know what you’re in for when you go to Munster. It’s going to be a big, physical battle,” explained the former Wales under 20 international.
“We’ll try to play rugby like we play rugby, but it’s also a chance for us as a forwards pack to show what we’re about.
“We’re not just a team that’s only going there to throw it about. When our forwards need to step up, we want to show that we can and control the games.
“They’ve got an unbelievably strong squad, and you look at the depth across the back row. They always churn out the players, and that’s why it’s going to be such a big test for us this week.
“We know what they’ll bring. But as a pack it’s not about going out there to match them, we want to go there and dominate them for once.”
Ratti, who started his rugby journey with Dunvant RFC, played in the back row during his early years, switching to the boiler room during his time with Wales under 16.
The former Ospreys forward, who had featured on the blindside earlier in the season, is relishing the challenges ahead in the number eight jersey.
The 23 year old added: “I’ve definitely enjoyed the last few weeks. As I’ve always said, I’ll play wherever the coaches put me.
“I always was a back row growing up but the switch back wasn’t something I necessarily expected, but it’s something you need to throw yourself at.
“But two wins on the bounce is the best possible place for us.
“Going through the age grades, I transitioned into a second row but it was tough, because I was never the tallest lock around. There are some giants around, especially at this level.
“But I’ve played a bit of back row at number six earlier this year, and it’s something I knew I could do. I’ve been given the chance to do that over the last couple of weeks.
“I got pulled in and was told that Dai was looking to give me a shot at number eight, and I bit his hand off for it, to be honest.
“When he told me, I knew I’d have to get my hands on the ball and up my carry stats! Number eights these days must be ball carriers, so that’s been the main focus for me over the last couple of games.
“It’s a different game compared to the second row. It takes a little bit less out of the legs at scrum time but the expectation is getting your hands on the ball and give the side a go-forward.
“If you’re not doing that then there are boys who will step in and do it.
“But that ball carrying is what it’s all about for me. It’ll be about getting my hands on the ball, even if that is off our nine or ten. It’s not always about trucking it up.
“We play a very expansive game but our forwards have a point to prove now, and we want to show that, if needs be, we can take the team forward as well. It’s not just about the backs!
“However, I don’t want to say it’s only about the direct route. I need to show I’ve got a bit of gas as well!
“I don’t want to be known as someone who just trucks it up off the scrum half every time. There’s a bit more to me than that.
“It’s unbelievably competitive in the back row, but at the same time that’s what you want.
“But as far as boys to learn from, and to give me a hand with refreshing my memory of how to play there, I’ve got people like Josh Turnbull there who is playing at his prime now.
“It’s brilliant to have. There’s international players all over the shop here, and it’s very competitive. But that’s how it should be.”