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We always back ourselves at CAP insists Cook

First Team News | 28th February 2019


Macauley Cook insists Cardiff Blues will back themselves against any side when playing at the iconic Cardiff Arms Park.

After last week's thrilling victory over Edinburgh at BT Murrayfield, John Mulvihill's side return to the Welsh capital on Saturday to host free-flowing South African outfit, Isuzu Southern Kings.

The Blues currently sit in the all-important third-place in Conference A, with their closest rivals, Ospreys and Connacht, set to go head-to-head on the weekend.

Cook expects the Port Elizabeth-based side to bring plenty of attacking flair to the Arms Park on Saturday but has highlighted the importance of securing the result in order to strengthen their claim for a top-three finish.

"We always like to back ourselves at home on that pitch especially with the way we play. There are some tough games to come but we see it as an opportunity to get some points and stay in third place," said the utility forward.

"The Kings like to play an expansive game but like I said, we do back ourselves at the Arms Park against anyone.

"They're a similar mould to Glasgow where they like to use weapons like a quick line-out and they've got some really dangerous players behind.

"We have to be careful of that and as forwards we have to be disciplined as a line with our kick chase, work together and not give them any room to run.

"We know how dangerous we can be but we've worked hard all week on how we can influence the game. 

"On the other side of the ball, when we've got possession, I'm sure we'll be able to cause them problems with the players we've got.

"Everything seems to be coming together now. Our defence has been good and our attack is starting to come now as well. 

"We've scored a fair few tries over the last games which has been down to the way we play and the individual talent we've got out wide.

"There's some real gas in the backline and it's exciting. We want to carry our form in attack while making sure in defence that we're not leaking too many points."

With both Ospreys and Connacht falling to defeats last weekend, the race for a place in the Guinness PRO14 quarter final - and a qualifying spot for next season's Heineken Champions Cup - lies firmly in Cardiff Blues' hands.

Cook, who made his 150th appearance for his home region earlier this season, praised his side's character in the win at Murrayfield, but insists they must continue to work hard in order to achieve their goals this season.

The academy product said: "It's always nice to come back in the second half and manage to pinch a win at the end of the game.

"We were happy to get the result up there. It's not an easy place to go and they haven't lost at Murrayfield all season.

"It now gives us a big chance on Saturday to go out there, perform and get the win on Saturday.

"Other results went our way last weekend which was out of our control, but now the race for the top three is in our control.

"All we can do is keep working hard in training and try to put the performances in and get as many points as we possibly can."