Cardiff Blues might return to RaboDirect PRO12 action off the back of successive European Cup victories, but director of rugby Phil Davies insists that doesn’t mean he is about to underestimate the threat Ospreys will pose. While the Blues have not tasted victory in the RaboDirect PRO12 since November 2 – three games ago – Europe has proved a happier hunting ground in recent weeks. Cardiff beat league rivals Glasgow Warriors both home and away to keep their European Cup hopes alive. However the European stage was also kind to Ospreys as they beat Castres 21-12 at the Liberty Stadium and Davies is preparing his side for a battle at the Arms Park on Friday night. "We face an Ospreys side that is packed full of international talent and who have impressed this season to currently lie in fifth place in the table, just two points off a play-off berth,” he said. "They also secured a big European scalp last week against Castres so will arrive full of confidence. We need to be ready to meet that challenge. "We are looking to build and improve on the form that has seen us secure some important results over the last two months. "We are under no illusions as to the size of the task that awaits us, but it's an exciting way to finish 2013 at the Arms Park." Davies makes four changes for the visit of Ospreys, with back row Andries Pretorius returning to the starting line-up, meaning Macauley Cook moves to lock to partner Filo Paulo. Centre Dafydd Hewitt is also handed a recall, with Rhys Patchell missing the game through injury, while prop Benoit Bourrust is named in the front row alongside hooker Kristian Dacey and skipper Sam Hobbs. Rhys Williams, Scott Andrews, Josh Navidi and Gavin Evans are all named amongst the replacements. However Steve Tandy has warned Davies that his Blues face an Ospreys side who are keen to ensure that the victory over Castres does not go to waste. “We are looking to build some momentum after showing some good signs in the games against Castres, where we started to see the boys taking what we’ve been doing in training onto the pitch,” Tandy said. “The win last weekend was a great result for everybody involved with the region, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. “The boys have worked hard in training this week, striving to continue improving, in preparation for what will be a busy period. “It’s important that we are at our best in Cardiff in front of a big and passionate crowd. We know there’ll be a large travelling support there from Ospreylia, enjoying the rivalry, and we want them to be proud of what this group is doing. “If we can keep the momentum going and put in the kind of performance they expect, we’ll be in a good place before back to back games against the Scarlets. “It’s always tough if you have two away games on the bounce, but we’ll be happy to bring them back to the Liberty for the second game in front of a big crowd predominantly made up of our own fans passionately supporting the cause.” At Arms Park, 7.05pm. Live on BBC WALES Referee: Jerome Garces (FFR, 5th competition game) Assistant Referees: Rhys Thomas, Sean Brickell (both WRU) Citing Commissioner: John Charles (WRU) TMO: Gareth Simmonds (WRU)
