John Mulvihill is encouraged by the positivity in the Cardiff Blues camp as they prepare to take on Conference B rivals Edinburgh in the Guinness PRO14 on Monday.
Following back-to-back victories to open the season, Wales’ Capital Region suffered defeats to Ulster and Munster, but will be encouraged by the performances against the Irish outfits.
The Australian has been delighted with his side’s attitude and effort in games this season but called on his side to build on the positive signs shown in both defence and attack as they seek a complete performance.
“They’re all very excited. We’ve had two losses on the bounce, but you wouldn’t think it by looking at training. Everyone is really positive,” revealed the head coach.
“We ask them each week for physicality and effort, and the physicality and effort scores have been through the roof over the last couple of weeks.
"We’re looking at making sure our detail and process every week is right and if we get that right then the outcome will be right.
“I think what’s let us down over the last couple of weeks has been discipline in a few areas, which has stopped us mounting pressure on the opposition.
“We’ve got a few players in recent weeks who have only played a few games for us, so they’re excited to be in work and excited at the opportunities.
“We’ve used 34 players in four games and by the time go into five or six games we’ll be close to 40.
"We’ve got good strength in depth, we’ve got good young players coming through.
“A lot of our young players luckily had an A team fixture against Dragons last week so we’ve got some guys in good form.
“Guys like Max Llewellyn and Ben Thomas haven’t played for the first team this season but they’re getting close to putting themselves in the frame.
“They’ll be pretty good replacements for guys like Rey or Willis if they’re not selected.
“In periods we’ve clicked but we have to find a balance and consistency in field position, kicking too much, hanging on to the ball and being in the right area.
“There’s a few little things with our shape that’s out of place but we definitely had two opportunities to score late in the game against Ulster, and we weren’t clinical enough in our power game five meters from the try line.”
Edinburgh were Cardiff Blues’ opponents in the final match before the lockdown period, with Richard Cockerill’s side coming out on top with a 14-6 win.
It was the Scots’ first home win against Cardiff Blues since 2014, with Mulvihill’s side memorably claiming victory at BT Murrayfield in 2019, following a stunning Jason Harries-inspired comeback.
The head coach expects another fierce battle at the Scottish capital and is under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
“Every time we’ve played Edinburgh, whether it’s home or away, it’s quite close,” added Mulvihill.
“Last year we had a charge down and a bounce of the ball and came away with nothing, which was disappointing with quite a young team.
“This week we’re going to be quite settled in who’s going to go out to play.
“Edinburgh have had quite a tough start but they hung in tough and played really well against the Scarlets last week.
“They might have a couple of their Scottish boys back and will probably be a little bit stronger than they were last week.
“I’m sure they’ll be up for it. They’ve beaten us in the last two games and I’m sure they’ll be feeling confident of getting a good performance.”