Blues ready to go up the gears to counter Exiles’ backlash

CARDIFF BLUES forwards coach Justin Burnell has warned his side they will have to “go up another gear” when wounded London Irish visit the Cardiff City Stadium for tonight’s Heineken Cup Pool Two clash.

The Blues made an impressive start to their European campaign with a 26-20 victory over Racing Metro in Paris, the scoreline not reflecting their superiority, with the likes of World Cup returnees Sam Warburton, Bradley Davies and Gethin Jenkins making an impact.

But the Exiles suffered a surprise 20-19 home defeat at the hands of Edinburgh, and another loss on Friday night would leave Toby Booth’s side with a mountain to climb if they are to secure a quarter-final berth.