Nick Williams has vowed to do his talking on the pitch as Cardiff Blues prepare to host the Dragons in the first Guinness PRO14 Welsh derby of the season.
The Blues are aiming to kick-start their campaign with a fifth straight competitive victory over their East Wales rivals following a tricky start to the season.
Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman attempted to stoke the flames with some early mind games but Williams, who relishes the physical confrontation, was purely focussed with on pitch affairs.
He said: “I am ready for a big battle. We all know derbies are about physicality.
“It’s why we travel half way across the world and leave our loved ones is to play in big games and Friday night is going to be no different.
“If you were them, you would think we are prime targets. They will be gunning for us.
“They will be disappointed we got the double over them last year. They weren’t our most convincing win but a win is a win, especially in a derby and we will be looking to do the same again this year.
“But I am a big believer in saving my chat for the action on the weekend. You guys will see that on Friday.”
Williams believes the encounter, at what promises to be a packed Cardiff Arms Park, could come down to heart and desire.
And that is something, Williams says, defence consultant Shaun Edwards brings in abundance.
“I love him,” said Williams when quizzed about the Wales defensive guru.
“He brings a bit of old school-ness. I’m not the youngest guy in the team but there – you’ve got to have a bit of old school.
“Rugby is a game of skill but it’s also a game of attitude as well. You can have all the skill in the world but if you don’t have the attitude or heart then there is no use playing.
“I would like to think Shaun is a bit more on the attitude and heart, the emotional side.”
Tickets for Cardiff Blues versus the Dragons on Friday, October 6 (7.35pm) are still available and can be purchased today by clicking here or calling 029 20 302030.
Derby Day is coming. Let’s #PackCAP