AT times we’ve thrived when having the tag of underdogs at Newport Gwent Dragons but we need to relish being favourites in our massive European Rugby Challenge Cup clash with Cardiff Blues.

A Rodney Parade quarter-final against our nearest rivals is a tough one to miss and it’s been frustrating to be an onlooker at training because of my wrist injury.

The sense of excitement at the importance of the game and the boys have been in great spirits after last weekend’s fantastic win in Treviso, our first ever league win over them in Italy.

That result has boosted confidence while the Blues suffered a defeat at Ulster and also lost a couple of key players to injury.

We’ve had our problems with injuries this season and we know how vital it is to have as many fit players available to select from. Our struggles in the first half of the campaign has only enhanced our strength in depth and made our squad stronger than ever.

To change the perception of us as a region we need to show our ability and back up fantastic away wins, making Rodney Parade the daunting place to go as it once was.

Being favourites at home and securing a win to earn a semi-final at either London Irish or Edinburgh would be a significant result for us as a team in Europe and in the league.

And so to win, we need to have a positive mentality and attack the Blues... but that doesn’t mean playing like Fiji. Our kicking game needs to be accurate and we have a driving game that can keep a defence honest, allowing our talent out wide to cause problems.

I’m not able to play but have been trying to do my bit rather than just being a spare part – I still have to justify my wage!

Being involved in meetings is often difficult when injured as you don't want to step on others’ toes and if you’re not playing it's difficult to offer feedback, while watching the boys train from Goughie’s Gantry (overlooking the pitch at our base) has been very frustrating, as I'm sure Ian would vouch for after being injured himself earlier in the season.

The conditioners have been licking their lips at the chance to get my lower body fit and efficient. That’s something that I’ve neglected through the years because of a series of niggles, so I should be firing on all cylinders come pre-season.

But it is hard to head to Ystrad Mynach and not get beyond the gym, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and if my elbow is all good, I'll be able to get some upper body done before this season is out... otherwise I'll be looking like Elliot Dee!

Lyn Jones, our director of rugby, asked me how I have been getting on and to be honest I really miss training with a ball in my hands.

Rynard Landman is lucky in a sense because although he is also unable to feature because of suspension at least he can contribute physically, running as Treviso in training last week and the Blues this week.

Hopefully even those of us who aren’t able to take to the field on Saturday can play a small part in a famous win.

Of course there’s not just one derby at Rodney Parade and (sorry Cross Keys fans!) hopefully it will be a home double.

I’m scheduled to be interviewed in the supporters village by BT Sport, who are sponsoring the marquee on the ‘cabbage patch’, and will then watch the Dragons game with friends.

But then I’ll get changed into my Newport gear ready for coaching duties, watching the Principality Premiership derby with Keys along with head coach Craig Warlow and forwards coach Dai Gray.

It’s going to be a tough game against an in-form side but hopefully the boys will rise to the occasion and put in a winning performance.