Scrum half Lewis Jones admits Cardiff Blues owe it to themselves to finish the season strongly as they head to Scotland to face Edinburgh in the RaboDirect PRO12 on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).
Blues returned to winning ways last time out with an epic 28-23 win over high-flying Ulster Rugby.
Jones – who started the game at the Arms Park and impressed throughout with a lively performance – acknowledges that the attitude on that night from Blues was spot on and has to be replicated in the remaining four league games.
However, he knows that will be severely tested against an Edinburgh side full of confidence after defeating Dragons in the new surroundings of Meggetland Stadium.
“The Ulster game was a great result and reflected where we had been after the defeat to Ospreys,” he said.
“We had trained really hard and righted the wrongs with that performance, particularly in the first half. Second half we dropped off a little bit, but overall it was a good performance.
“The attitude was right against Ulster. We showed want, good work rate and it paid off.
“We want to play for pride and show we can play rugby. We haven’t had the season we wanted, but coming to the end we have lots to play for because we want to finish strongly.
“Edinburgh have come off a few good results and are a strong team,” he added. “It is going to be tough up there playing in a new ground away from Edinburgh.
“It will be a big atmosphere. But we are used to a close environment at the Arms Park where the fans feel on top of you so I don’t think it will make too much of a difference.
“They have some big carriers, like Dave Denton, and strong players who have been with them all season and not away on international duty. They have experience too so are a good all-round team who will push us hard.”