Jenkins eyes big finish to season

Editor

Cardiff Blues prop Gethin Jenkins has urged his side to finish the PRO12 season strongly as they look to seal a spot in the Champions Cup.

After a 46-26 loss to Gloucester in the Challenge Cup quarter-final on Saturday, the Blues have just four matches remaining this season.

And Jenkins is eager to win them all, starting with Friday’s visit to Ulster at Kingspan Stadium, and secure a European play-off place.

“There’s a race for the play-offs now, sixth is probably a bit too far but seventh or eighth and we will have a play-off against a French or English team,” he told Cardiff Blues‘ website ahead of the upcoming fixture.

“We still have something to play for and we need to bounce back against Ulster, which is not an easy place to go either.

“We’ll look at this as a team, take it on the chin and look at the debrief,” he added on the loss to Gloucester.

“I thought we were comfortable in the game and put some good stuff together, but I was really disappointed with the way we ended it.”

Now focused on their PRO12 run-in, Jenkins, who is back from a lengthy spell out with injury, is feeling good about his personal fitness.

“Obviously losing is disappointing, but I’m pleased to get 50-60 minutes of rugby. It’s been a long time and last week it was way off the pace, coming of the bench, but I felt a lot better today,” the Wales international added.

“It’s different being involved in the team atmosphere and team preparations, and get back on the field and enjoying playing the game, as that’s the main part of being a rugby player. I’m looking forward to getting another game under my belt next week.”