Shane Lewis-Hughes believes he is being driven to new levels due to the immense competition for places in the Cardiff Blues squad.
The back-row forward was a standout performer as Cardiff Blues battled to a hard-fought Guinness PRO14 victory over Zebre despite playing half of the game with 14 men.
It was an evening for defence in Parma and the Blues came out on top both here and the set-piece with Lewis-Hughes boasting some impressive individual statistics.
The 23-year-old made 21 tackles, with James Botham not far behind with 16, and won two turnovers.
He said: “Put is this way, it was a tough game! It was a really fast pitch, obviously we were down to 14 men and we spoke about not shoving our heads in rucks for no reason, trying to keep numbers on feet.
“We came out here wanting to stick to a basic game plan to get the win. It’s the first game of the season and the boys did a really good job.
“With 14 men in the second half we spoke about keeping them down there, keeping numbers on feet and keeping the pressure on them, making tackles, getting back on our feet and forcing the kick to get the ball back.
“It was definitely a game for defence and we came out with a gutsy win. We all dug in and there was a massive impact off the bench as well so it was really pleasing and gives us a lot of momentum going into next week.”
And it is competition for places in the pack that Lewis-Hughes believes is behind the gritty and determined performance with captain Cory Hill and Seb Davies also receiving particular praise in Parma.
He continued: “As a back rower you do love these kind of games and challenges. I thought the back-row today was excellent along with everyone else right across the squad.
“Jim and I played together since the age-grades, we’re both fiery and passionate and want to push on and achieve things in the game.
“We read each other quite well in games and have a nice little partnership going on but with the back row we have, you can put anyone out on the field and we will do a job. That’s the luxury we have and it must be a headache for the coaches to decide who to pick each week. I’m just really grateful to have the opportunity,
“It’s so competitive and adding Cory to the second row has added to our options in the back five of the pack. That can only benefit us as a team and that will push us on to the play-offs and bigger challenges.”