CARDIFF coach Terry Holmes is confident his side can put a major domestic setback behind them and proudly fly the Welsh flag in Europe this weekend.
Last Saturday's 3743 league defeat against neighbours and title favourites Pontypridd was hardly ideal preparation for a Heineken Cup semi final away to crack French club Brive.
But some harsh words were said at training on Monday and Holmes believes that result is now firmly out of their system.
"Olur decision making was not as good as it should have been," he admitted. "We know where we went wrong, though, trying to play too wide too early in the game. I wasn't pleased, but we've sorted things, out and that game is history now.
Cardiff, beaten European finalists 12 months ago, have already accounted for English giants Bath and Wasps in this season's competition, which is why Holmes and company fear nobody.
"The whole key to next Sunday's match is whether we can show the control we displayed against Bath and Wasps," said Holmes.
"We imposed our will on those sides and we must do that again in Brive. It's going to be very difficult but I firmly that, the right result is not beyond us.
Only Welsh international prop David Young is unavailable for the trip to southern France, his shoulder injury sustained against world champions South Africa a fortnight ago still being treated.
Captain Hemi Taylor shout make his comeback appearance after four weeks out with rib problems, while flanker Gwyn Jones is also available following six months sidelined through shoulder trouble. Holmes will announce the Cardiff side today.
Meanwhile, defending champions Toulouse could be without international stars Emile Ntamack and Thomas Castaignede for their semi final at Courage League leaders Leicester.
Neither skipper Ntamack (pelvis) or play maker Castaignede (ribs) have appeared in Toulouse colours since the competition's earlier rounds were completed last month.
"We will leave decisions on bloth of them until the last moment, probably Friday morning, said coach Serge Lairle.
And his assistant Guy Noves added: "They are vital to our game and we must see if they can take contact in training.
"But their experience at the highest level can compensate for the long time they have been out of rugby."
Leicester will make a round trip of nearly 200 miles to Worcester as they build up to Saturday's semi final. The Welford Road pitch is covered in plastic sheeting and has a hot air tent suspended over that for further insurance against the severe weather.
All other pitches in the area are snowbound, but the enterprising Worcester club have a huge indoor rugby pitch and Leicester will be making use of it.
