Following two weeks out-of-action, Cardiff Blues will continue their Guinness PRO14 campaign on Friday as they host Benetton Rugby at the Arms Park (7.35pm).
Friday’s encounter could prove crucial in the Blues’ season, as they look to secure their place on Europe’s top table next season, while they also have one eye on the end-of-season play-off spots.
Wales’ Capital Region’s play-off hopes remain alive, with only 10 points between Danny Wilson’s side and third-placed Toyota Cheetahs. The Blues have a game in-hand over the South African outfit, and the sides will face-off at Bloemfontein’s Toyota Stadium in April.
The Benetton clash kicks off a vital run of games for Cardiff Blues, which includes the Challenge Cup quarter-final against Edinburgh, back-to-back encounters in South Africa and the regular season finale against Ospreys at Judgement Day VI.
They head into this block of fixtures on the back of three consecutive PRO14 victories – against Cheetahs, Munster and Zebre.
The winning streak has put them five points of clear of Connacht in the race for Champions Cup qualification, while also having a game in-hand over the Galway-based province.
