But Ospreys' record against Welsh opposition is nothing to be sneered at having won their last four matches against fellow Welsh regions.

And with the Cardiff based outfit have triumphed just once on Ospreys soil since the regions were formed in 2003 Tandy is hopeful that his side can bounce back with a bang at the Liberty Stadium

"It's important that we show the right character and spirit after a disappointing second half showing in Edinburgh last weekend," he said.

"We were extremely disappointed to come away with nothing and we know how crucial it us that we bounce back and put on the kind of performance that is expected from an Ospreys team this weekend.

"It's a massive game, a local derby and a chance to see some great young Welsh talent on both sides going head to head, with some real quality older players thrown into the blend.

"I'm really looking forward to the game. When you look through the teamsheet and see the quality of players that we have still available even when missing so many, it says a lot about the work we are doing here to bring through players."

The Ospreys are missing 14 players through injury or international duty and their main crisis comes in the front row.

New loan signing Cai Griffiths comes straight into the starting line-up for the clash after existing tight-heads Aaron Jarvis, Adam Jones and Joe Rees were all ruled out with injury.

The Blues ended a four game losing run in the RaboDirect PRO12 with their 14-7 victory over Zebre in Italy on Sunday and director of rugby Phil Davies is looking for more of the same this week.

"Since the start of the season we have got better week in week out but we have not had the rewards on the scoreboard, which is the most important thing, as obviously we want to win every game," he said.

"It was a really good game against Zebre last weekend. I thought we played very, very well and if we had been a bit more clinical we could have scored three or four more tries.

"We have a good chance against the Ospreys; they are in the same position as we are. It will be the next generation of stars on show and hopefully it will be an excellent game."

At Liberty Stadium, 7.05pm.
Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU, 22nd competition game)
Assistant Referees: Gwyn Morris, Wayne Davies (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Richard Gwynn (WRU)
TMO: Paul Adams (WRU)
Live on BBC WALES