Having comfortably dispatched London Scottish they then went on and beat the English champions Exeter Chiefs in a thrilling match at the Arms Park that showed the true potential of many of their rising young stars.
Wing Aled Summerhill has plundered five tries in two games in August, Jarrod Evans has shown himself to be an accomplished outside half and the young front rowers of Kieron Assiratti, Corey Domachowski and Kirby Myhill look ready to make a major statement this season.
Add in new Welsh international second row Seb Davies, fellow summer tourist Tomos Williams and there is a rosy picture emerging for head coach Danny Wilson. But he is going to need all the strength in depth he can muster this season if his side is going improve on last season’s seventh place.
“About half-way through pre-season everyone feels ready for a game and after two tough matches I think we are now ready to compete for some points. The win over Exeter was a confidence boost for us, but it means nothing,” said Wilson.
“We start playing for league points from Friday and the question is what our preparation good enough to get us ready for the Edinburgh fixture. We picked up an injury to Ellis Jenkins against Exeter and he has quite a major hamstring problem and he is going to be out for a good few weeks.
“That’s a blow for us because he was outstanding against Exeter. Gareth Anscombe is going through some treatment on a groin injury as well at the moment and we are not going to push him too hard, too soon.”
Jenkins’ injury, and the unavailability of British & Irish Lions skipper Sam Warburton, means Wilson is going to start with Josh Navidi at openside against an Edinburgh team that is likely to provide a tougher test than usual up front following the arrival as head coach of Richard Cockerill.
Former Scarlets and Exeter Chiefs lock Damien Welch will make his league debut for the Blues alongside Seb Davies, while Nick Williams is fit to start at No 8 as he packs down alongside Navidi and the returning Josh Turnbull.
Tickets for the game on Friday, 1 September (kick-off 7.15pm) are available HERE
