Coach Paul John believes the LV=Cup is the perfect platform to build momentum before the resumption of league action next month - insisting Blues will be doing all they can to secure a semi-final berth.
Blues return to LV=Cup action after a two month break with games away at Bath Rugby this Saturday (kick-off 3pm) before they team welcomes Harlequins to the Arms Park a week Friday.
After the region’s European adventure ended at the pool stages, Blues switch focus to a competition where they beaten Ospreys but narrowly lost out to Worcester Warriors at home.
Those results have left Blues in third spot in Pool 2 on five points and trailing leaders Leicester Tigers (nine points) and Sale Sharks (six points) and narrowly ahead of Exeter Chiefs (four points).
A positive result at the Recreation Ground would leave Blues in the hunt in a tournament where only the top team progresses to the semi-final stage from the four pools.
But for new Attack Coach John the performance is just as vital as the result after back-to-back European defeats.
“It’s a game that we are all looking forward to and we need to get some momentum,” he said.
“Bath are playing well in the Aviva Premiership and are top of their pool in the LV=Cup so it is a test for the boys. But it’s the type of challenge we look forward to as we try to get things going forward again.
“We have to respond and get back on track after a couple of losses. It’s important for the squad, important for the supporters, important for everyone that we get back to performing well. We must be on the front foot when we go back into the RaboDirect PRO12.
“It was hugely disappointing to not qualify for everyone involved,” he added, reflecting on the region missing out on European quarter-final action after defeat to Exeter Chiefs last weekend.
“We gave them a start and they took 13 points early on so we had to come back. We did that but left ourselves too much to do.
“It’s disappointing and everyone is hurting from it. But we have to start better in games and that must happen soon. We’ve had a good meeting about it and now have to get back on the horse.”
Blues will make changes for the clash with Sam Warburton, Gethin Jenkins, Leigh Halfpenny and Alex Cuthbert all linking up with Wales this week ahead of the Six Nations.
And supporters are likely to have to wait for a glimpse of new centre signing Isaia ‘Ice’ Tuifua who only arrived in Wales on Tuesday.
“There are a few boys involved in the Welsh squad so new players will come in eager to impress,” added John.
“I have seen clips of Ice and he has an opportunity over the next four or five months to show what he can do. I am looking forward to working with him.”