Director of Rugby Mark Hammett believes European competition in the coming weeks can be a major positive for his Cardiff Blues as they look for a return to winning ways.
Cardiff Blues face French Top14 side Grenoble at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm) before an away trip to Italy to face Rugby Rovigo the week after.
Hammer is more than aware of the possible dangers that ‘unpredictable’ Grenoble will pose this coming weekend.
But after a run of three difficult away games he is relishing a return home as Blues look to respond in the right manner to derby day defeat to Ospreys.
“I hope Europe is good for us and a refreshing challenge for us all,” he said.
“There are a few things that we are not far off, we have seen that when we do get territory and do get possession we are hard to stop at times. We score some nice tries and we pressure teams with our width and speed of play.
“I think the Grenoble game is an opportunity for us,” he added. “I have seen teams go through hard patches, as we are, and you put in a good performance and get a win, then grind another one and all of a sudden you get back on track quickly. That is sport and that is something we need to prepare for next week.
“From what I have seen of Grenoble, they are typical French. They are big, strong and at times they run when you think they will kick and then kick when you think they will run. That unpredictability makes them a very dangerous side.
“They play with real intensity and physicality so it will be a challenge. But it will be great to be back in Cardiff and in front of our fans after a spell away.”