Cardiff RFC face Bridgend Ravens in the quarter-finals of Super Rygbi Cymru at the Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday afternoon (2:30pm).
The Blue and Blacks come into the contest on the back of finishing in pole position in the SRC and captain, Sean Moore welcomes the challenge of knockout rugby against the Ravens.
“It’s always good to be involved in these big games, that’s why we all play rugby,” began Moore.
“You’ve got to take every game as it comes and can’t take any team for granted.
“Bridgend are always a good team which never stop playing. They play some good rugby and will play until the final whistle which you saw last week in a close game against Swansea.”
The Blue and Blacks come into the contest after losing 47-27 away to Pontypool in their final game of the regular season. Despite the defeat, Cardiff secured top spot in the SRC as they headed to Pontypool Park only needing a point which they got after Joe Williams crossed on 75 minutes after a brilliant charge down.
“It was a tough loss to take against Pontypool,” Moore continued.
“All credit to them, they took their chances well and were the better team on the day. But our goal at the start of the season was to finish top of this league which we achieved and a massive thank you the players and staff involved to make that happen.
“It was a big squad effort to get to where we are but these next few games are where it counts.”
The Ravens on the other hand come into the encounter at the Arms Park after a narrow 33-30 victory over Swansea RFC in one of two wildcard matches which took place last weekend.
On having a weekend off, Moore added: “I think it has fallen at the right time for us.
“To take some learnings from the last two games where we have fallen short and try to implement a game plan ready to take on Bridgend on Saturday.”
Cardiff have only lost twice at home this season (Newport and Llandovery RFC) in the Super Rygbi Cymru league and due to their strong performances across the season they will have home advantage.
On how important it is playing at the Cardiff Arms Park, Moore added: “It’s a big positive for us to be able to play the knockout games on the Arms Park.
“That pitch suits us and the way we like to play. Move the ball around as much as we can and hopefully put a performance out there we are proud of and something the fans will enjoy to watch.
“We can’t wait to get out there on Saturday.”
Remember the quarter-final itself will be an all-to-pay game. Cardiff Rugby and Cardiff RFC members will have an early bird discount until 5pm Thursday, May 1st.