Attack Coach Paul John admits Cardiff Blues must play with hunger and appetite for the full 80 minutes when they face Ulster Rugby at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm).
Cardiff Blues are aiming for a return to winning ways when they face the powerful Irish province after late defeat to Glasgow Warriors last weekend.
Mark Hammett’s men were just a point behind on the hour against the Warriors before Glasgow pulled away in the final quarter of the game.
And John acknowledges a ‘consistency of performance’ over the entire game is what Blues are striving for as they host Ulster.
He said: “Ulster are one of the top sides in Europe. They have massive forwards, big back runners with the ball who attack all over the park. They are a good all-round side.
“We have got to be accurate with the ball and our defence must stop their big runners. We need to have an appetite to keep working for the 80 minutes.
“Our scrum was strong against Glasgow and got penalties, the lineout was solid. We have just got to use the ball better and maintain possession.
“We have got to keep momentum when we have got it. We had it against Glasgow and they had a yellow card against them. But unfortunately the momentum then swung because we gave away a few tries.
“We were pleased with the commitment and attitude. We have worked hard this week and it’s a challenge we can meet. We did that at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park last year against Ulster and we want to repeat that.
Reflecting on the opening weeks of the season, John added: “It was great to get the result against Zebre, after we struggled against them last year, and we were all looking forward to the Glasgow game.
“We just need to get the consistency of performance. We were pleased with 60 minutes against Glasgow and it’s about maintaining those standards.
“You need to be a threat and not give up the ball as easily as we did a couple of times last week.”
Tickets for the clash with Ulster Rugby are on sale NOW. Call the Ticket Office on 02920 302030 or click HERE to buy online. Start the weekend with the Blues this Friday night at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.