Kristian Dacey has called on Cardiff Blues to maintain momentum and carry forward confidence after they secured back-to-back European Challenge Cup victories.
The Blues were given a daunting start to cup competition as they faced the Top 14’s top two on consecutive weekends.
But they rose to the occasion, first claiming a bonus-point win over Lyon at Cardiff Arms Park before securing an historic first win in Toulouse.
The victories ensure they finish the first block of European action at the top of Pool Two, ahead of a return to Guinness PRO14 action with a trip to face the Scarlets.
“I can’t stop smiling. It was a massive win,” said Dacey who was captaining the Blues for the first time.
“It was a huge honour firstly, to captain the side. I’ve been here for seven years and I’ve always looked up to the guys who have gone before in the past.
“To be asked by Danny in the week to come out here, which isn’t the easiest place, and to captain the team was quite daunting but something I relished.
“But we have picked up wins against Connacht away, Dragons, Lyon at home so there was no reason for us not to pick up a win in Toulouse.
“I said I will give 100 per cent to you but you have to give 100 per cent to me and as you saw on the field, the boys didn’t leave anything out there.
“Toulouse picked a mental team when you actually look at it on paper but that just shows the belief we have in each other and the confidence we can use going forward, especially with the Scarlets next week.”
While the Blues edged to a historic win in the south of France, the Scarlets crashed to a home defeat at the hands of Bath.
And while Dacey insists his side can take confidence into the Parc y Scarlets derby, he expects a backlash from the West Walians.
Dacey added: “They had a loss this week and will be bruised from that. They will want to come out fighting so it is up to us to get back in on Monday and hopefully we can put in a performance next week.
“It could have been more against Toulouse but that was us overplaying it. It was two points but two points is a win and we’ll take the four points into the group to stay on top.”
Following the Guinness PRO14 clash with the Scarlets, the Blues return to Cardiff Arms Park on November 4, when they take on Connacht. Tickets for Cardiff Blues v Connacht, and their next home game against Zebre are on sale now.