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Davies: We must back up Euro heroics

23rd October 2013


Boss Phil Davies has urged his Cardiff Blues to back-up the region's heroics in the Heineken Cup when they return to league action this Friday night in Ireland.

Blues travel to Belfast to face Ulster Rugby at a sell-out Ravenhill full of confidence after the epic 19-15 victory over European kings Toulon last weekend.

But Director of Rugby Davies has warned his squad of the dangers of a Euro hangover and instead insisted they pick up where they left off against the French side at the Arms Park.

“It was obviously a good performance against Toulon,” he said. “It has enthused everyone, the singing at the end with all the supporters and the players really enjoyed the occasion.

“Hopefully it is another milestone and a step forward for us. We have had a couple of disappointing experiences in the last couple of weeks, but to beat the European champions at home was a positive in this squad’s progression.

“But now it is vital we back it up. The belief that Saturday has given us will help us understand the level we need to hit every week.

“We won the game against Toulon without a few of our most experienced players and the boys that stepped in did a great job. Now we need to keep that going in the RaboDirect PRO12.”

Davies revealed Blues will be without wing Alex Cuthbert for the away trip, but he remains hopeful the ankle injury suffered by the Lions ace will not keep him out for too long.

“We don’t think it’s as bad as we originally thought, which is a bonus,” added Davies.

“Who knows if he could come into contention for Wales this autumn yet, we just have to wait and see.”