Boss Phil Davies acknowledges his Cardiff Blues are entering the pivotal period of the season - as the team prepare for the RaboDirect PRO12 resumption this Saturday against Munster at Cardiff Arms Park (kick-off 6.30pm).
Blues face Munster and Benetton Treviso over the coming weeks before the crunch Heineken Cup double header with Glasgow Warriors in December.
Director of Davies knows the outcome of the coming weeks could well shape the rest of the season for Blues.
But he insists the squad are excited about the challenges ahead and heading in the right direction after LV=Cup success last time out against Ospreys.
“The players have been working hard all season long and we’ve always been confident that we were going in the right direction,” he said.
“We are now certainly getting more consistent with our performances and we go into the game at the weekend on the back of an encouraging result with a young side at Ospreys.
“It’s a crucial time of the year for the region as we head back into the RaboDirect PRO12 before our big Heineken Cup games with Glasgow.
“But we’ve prepared well all week for a big challenge against Munster as we aim to keep the positive performances going and secure the right results.
“It’s a challenging time of the season with players away on international duty and injuries,” he added. “But you have to plan well and I enjoy this time of season. We are giving the squad a real test.
“We have had over 20 players unavailable to us because of injuries and call-ups, but what that does is give other people opportunities.
“The players who have been given a chance recently have stood up and done well and we are excited about what we are trying to develop.
“The boys are excited and working hard and have a real desire to do well. From a coaching point of view, you can’t ask for any more than that.”
Tickets remain on sale NOW for the RaboDirect PRO12 clash with Munster this Saturday at the Arms Park. Call the Ticket Office on 02920 302030 or click HERE to buy online today.