Head Coach Danny Wilson admits he is relishing the prospect of taking his Cardiff Blues back to Scarlets on Saturday for a huge Guinness PRO12 derby day (kick-off 3pm).
Wilson needs little introduction at Scarlets having had a previous spell on the coaching staff at Parc y Scarlets and acknowledges the big season the men from west are having in the league.
However, he insists his Cardiff Blues are focused on the job in hand and still want to achieve more this season as they look for the win to keep top six dreams alive.
“I had a lot of really good times in my couple of years at Parc y Scarlets,” said Wilson. “There is a very passionate crowd and home support there, much like the Arms Park, who get right behind the team.
“The team rise to the occasion playing in front of that crowd and they are a good side with a lot of talent.
“However, we have shown what we are capable of recently and if we can go there and show what we have at home then we are capable of getting the right result.
“We are the top points scorers in the league at the moment and it should make for a really entertaining game.”
“There is a lot riding on this derby for both teams,” he added. “Scarlets have had a great season and they have done well with and without their internationals. They have picked up some big wins and performed well.
“They are playing well, have an all-round game and credit to their coaches and players because they are difficult to break down, attack well and they have a set piece that is growing.
“We are maybe in a different place in terms of our development and progress, but at the same time have hit a good patch of form with some really good home wins.
“We have given ourselves a mathematical chance to finish in the top six; although it is a big ask. We can go for it and we have already bettered last year’s record and want to go on and achieve more.
“We won two derby games at Christmas and that was massive for us. We have targeted the derby games and want more success.”