British & Irish Lions winger Alex Cuthbert is relishing the chance to test himself against the best in Europe when Cardiff Blues lock horns with Toulon this weekend.
Cuthbert, who scored a crucial try for the Lions in their first Test victory over Australia in Brisbane this summer, lines up for the Blues in Nice as the Welsh side look to pull off the double against the European champions.
The 23-year-old has already played a part in helping the Blues see off Jonny Wilkinson’s Toulon in a 19-15 victory in Cardiff, and he’s only too aware that another victory would put his side in pole position to top Pool 2.
“You have to look forward to playing the best team in Europe – you can't be afraid of it. I'm looking forward to it and I can't wait to play down there,” said Cuthbert.
“When you play against them there is an expectation that they will get the win, but we got the win at home. It is important that we take confidence from that. I am sure that win was unexpected by a lot of people.
“We know we beat them at home and I am sure Toulon will be looking to correct that and get one back on us. But we have put ourselves in a good position in the group.
“We need to ensure that when opportunities come up we utilise them. Watching Toulon's game against Exeter, the Chiefs had a lot of chances and they took a couple of them and were still in the game.
“It's not easy to get a win up at Glasgow, but we did that and we need to keep that form going. We are hungry – we have that sniff of the quarter-finals and we want to do ourselves proud.”
