Matthew Morgan is confident that Cardiff Blues can change their fortunes this season as they travel to Italy to take on Benetton Rugby on Saturday.
The Wales international, who has been in fine form for Wales’ Capital Region, returns to the number 15 jersey this week, having featured as a replacement in the Challenge Cup defeat to Leicester Tigers last week.
John Mulvihill’s side return to Guinness PRO14 action in Treviso this weekend, but have a number of senior players missing through international commitments and injuries.
Morgan believes it’s important for the Blues to focus on their own performance and continue to work hard if they are to claim victory in Italy.
“It’s been a pretty good week. We’ve got a few boys missing but it is what it is,” said the full back.
“We’ve just got to knuckle down and focus on what we can do on the weekend.
“If we can focus on ourselves, stick to our game-plan and do what we can do there’s no reason why we can’t go out there and get the win.
“We haven’t been far away this season but the results have been frustrating for everyone.
“Like I said, we haven’t been far away in any of those games but hopefully we can put a good performance in this weekend and get the win at the end of the game, which is the most important thing.
“There’s games that we could’ve won, and maybe should’ve won, but that’s in the past now and we just have to look forward to the weekend.
“We must keep working hard in training and go out there to be positive.
“We reviewed last week’s game and we’ve worked on a few things, which has been pretty good. There was clarity from those meetings and we’re able to put that to bed and look forward to heading out to Treviso.
“We’re back into the PRO14 now, and we won the last match we played in the league. The boys can take positives from that and keep going forwards as a team.”
Morgan has been one of his side’s stand-out performers during the opening weeks of the campaign, impressing in both defence and attack.
The full back, who celebrated the birth of his first child in August, admits he is enjoying his rugby at the moment but is determined to keep his feet planted firmly on the ground.
‘Nipper’ added: “I’ve been enjoying playing but I’ve just been keeping my head down and work as hard as I can during the week and try to put those performances in on the weekends.
“It’s brilliant for the squad to have that depth in the back three. Any of the boys can step in at any opportunity, so when you get your chance you have to take it.
“It’s good overall for the team because we’re able to get the best out of each other.
“Having the baby over the summer was the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and it puts everything into perspective when you come into training and playing, which is a good thing.
“But at the end of training, I go home to do my real job and look after the little one.
“I’m enjoying my rugby at the minute and hopefully I can continue to do that.”