James Ratti says there’s nothing quite like an Anglo-Welsh clash, as Cardiff prepare to take on Bristol Bears on Friday (KO 7.45pm).
Ratti will wear the number eight jersey at Ashton Gate, joining Welsh internationals Ellis Jenkins and Shane Lewis-Hughes in the back row.
With four weeks separating Cardiff’s BKT United Rugby Championship matches, the trip to the West Country will bridge the gap ahead of a tough trip to South Africa later this month. Meanwhile, Cardiff will welcome the Bears to the capital in a reverse fixture on the eve of Wales’ Six Nations clash with England in February.
Number eight Ratti is relishing the opportunity to retain match sharpness while playing his part in an exciting occasion.
Ratti said: “We know South Africa is going to be a big challenge and one we’re really excited for.
“But the focus is on Friday. Everyone loves an Anglo-Welsh game. We’re right up for it and I’m sure Bristol will be the same.
“We also excited obviously to get them down here at the Arms Park in the new year for anoter one.
“It’s a slightly different type of game for us but it would be great to see if we can build on the first block.
“We were fairly happy with the block but we know we have to try and build on it now before heading to South Africa.
“Obviously the players are right up for Friday and it’s something the fans will want to watch and get excited about.
“Doing live training sessions is one thing you want to practice as much in-game scenarios as you can. So to get the opportunity to play against a good outfit like Bristol will be a good challenge for us and something we’re really excited for.
“Bristol are definitely the perfect team to prep against physically before South Africa. They’re a big side, they play really good rugby as well and it will be a really good challenge for us.
“But we’re not focusing too much on them. We’ll have to prepare, of course, but our main focus in on getting lots of stuff right before back-to-back league games in South Africa.
“We’ve shown in weeks gone by that we’re a team that can compete, especially at home. The fans give us a good edge here. We just need to translate that onto the road, but we’re fairly happy with where we are.
“Obviously we would’ve liked to have won last week but we’re focusing on trying to build on that now and getting consistency moving forward. In a lot of games we’ve put in decent performances at times, with 50 or 60 minutes performances.
“So it’s about rounding if off now and either seeing out games and not letting them get away from s too early, staying competitive and then just getting that edge to see games over the line.”
Ratti, who remains uncapped on the international stage despite two recent call-ups into the Wales squad, has battled for the number eight jersey with new signing, Taulupe Faletau, this season.
However, having started to transition to the back row from lock in 2021, the competition for places is a driving factor for Ratti and he is relishing the opportunity to take to the field on Friday.
The former Ospreys, who joined the club in 2019, added: “It’s been an opportunity for me over the last two weeks and hopefully also going into the next three games to stake a claim for the jersey going forward.
“Toby has been tremendous when he’s played earlier in the season. I just love training with him and obviously just want to keep pushing him and trying to improve all the time.
“As I’ve said before, I’m by no means a finished article. I feel like I can still improve.
“So I’m looking to stake my claim over the next couple of games and trying to build on the last two weeks.
“There’s no substitute for match fitness, is there? I want to just get out there and try to influence the game as much as I can, whether that’s ball in hand or shots in defence.
“You want to be giving your all when you’re on the field. We have a super competitive back row, so when you do get the chance in the jersey you need to do everything you can.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. I’ve been made to feel really welcomed at the club from when I first joined and from the boys and the fans ever since.
“I love playing at home, under the lights with the fans and I love living in Cardiff as well. It’s a great city and I’m proud to represent the city and the people.”
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