Attack Coach Paul John has called on Cardiff Blues to finish a difficult week on a high when they face Edinburgh Rugby in the Guinness PRO12 at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 12.45pm).
John and Defence Coach Dale McIntosh have taken charge of the senior side following the news that Mark Hammett has left the reason for personal reasons.
And following the defeat to Benetton Treviso last week in Italy, Josh has spelt out to the players just how vital it is they respond and perform in front of the home fans.
He said: “It’s disappointing that Mark has had to make this decision after three quarters of the season, but he has his reasons and we as a region now have to roll our sleeves up and get on with it.
“We have some key league games to come and are still in the quarter-finals of a European competition. There is still plenty to play for and we have spoken to the players at length.
“We have got to pull together and get something out of the rest of this season. We have got to man up and get on with it.”
“We’ve underachieved this season,” he added. “We’ve produced some good stuff at times this season; there have been patches of good rugby. But that has been interspersed with mediocre and poor performances.
“We’ve all got to take responsibility for where we are; players, coaches, everyone. It’s not one person and we have got to do something for our supporters because we have an environment in that should be doing better.
“We need everyone pulling in the right direction and playing to the best of their ability. If we get people doing that with the right attitude, and we have been trying for the last six months, we will get results.
“The senior players are important now in driving standards. We need people taking the field, wearing that jersey with pride and giving their utmost for the region.”
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