Sam Warburton is determined to propel Cardiff Blues into the top six of the Guinness PRO12 as a Judgement Day IV clash with the Ospreys looms.
The flanker has been in destructive form since his return to regional action.
He produced a man of the match performance against the Scarlets earlier this month and impressed again in the 28-8 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons on Sunday.
Following four successive PRO12 wins the Blues are battling to finish in the top half of the table but need to beat both the Ospreys and Edinburgh on the final weekend of the regular season to have a chance.
And Warburton is desperate to do everything he can to secure European Champions Cup rugby for his boyhood team.
Warburton said: “Over the past couple of seasons at this stage of the year it almost seems like we have just been seeing the season out because we’re not playing for anything. It’s been quite a frustrating time.
“But this year has been a completely different feel because we have something really exciting to play for.
“Even with sixth spot, if we manage to achieve that at Edinburgh we will be celebrating.
“We have prided ourselves on the Welsh derbies this year, we really wanted to make sure we did well in them and I think we have.
“We have a pretty good record, we have won four out of five. But we’ve had a pretty poor record against the Ospreys in recent years so that’s a massive game for us and it will be a tough one.
“The last couple of weeks have gone well personally and I want to keep this momentum going into the Ospreys and put in a big shift again to try and get us over the finishing line with another win.
“I really feel like a owe the Blues some games, I’m always gutted when I’m injured here. I hate the perception of players only wanting to play for Wales and not Cardiff Blues – that’s not the case whatsoever.
“I had a season ticket for Cardiff Blues back when I was 14-years-old and I’ve always wanted to play for this team.
“I want to get as many games as I can and really feel I owe the Blues some big performances.”
Warburton is also relishing the competition for places in the back-row with Josh Navidi, Josh Turnbull, Ellis Jenkins and Manoa Vosawai all jostling for positions.
The Wales captain believes it is driving his own game on and he is enjoying the Blues’ attacking style of play, which has seen them rack up more points than any other PRO12 team.
Now he is looking forward to transferring that exciting brand of rugby to his home away from home at the Principality Stadium.
Warburton added: “I’m really enjoying playing for Cardiff, especially with the back-row players we have at the moment. We have some great players who are helping my game as well and it’s great to play in.
“We have developed a style on this pitch, you need to have a go to game plan and all the players are beginning to understand that and it’s gelling.
“Creating an atmosphere like they do at the Principality Stadium and having that many fans there, it’s an amazing occasion to play in front of a big crowd, and for the fans you see so many top players on show in one afternoon.
“There’s still a long way to go, all the coaches and players will say that, but we’re definitely going on the right path.
“I’m really enjoying the way the Blues are playing and we have an incentive to finish the season well.”
Tickets for Judgement Day IV are still available and start at £10 from wru.wales/tickets