A youthful Cardiff side lost 39-7 at home to Stade Toulousain in Round 1 and 43-17 at Quins last month, but the Welsh club welcome back six internationals at the Arms Park.

Young told the club website: “We can be really proud of the way the group came together to perform admirably in the opening two rounds in Europe back in December.

“The senior guys did a great job to lead the more inexperienced players during that period and they’ve taken confidence from that. I’d like to think it brought us a bit closer together. It was a difficult period, but we stuck together and hopefully we’ve come out as a closer unit.

“For all the positives, however, they were two defeats and we want to win every game we are involved in. We are determined to go one better this time around, but know the quality that we face.

“With the way the competition is set out this year, we know that every point will be crucial and we’re really excited for the challenge on Friday against a good Quins outfit.

“We were disappointed last week up in Edinburgh, but there’s been no time to feel sorry for ourselves. Training has been sharp in the build and we’re looking forward to the opportunity to bounce back as we return to play at the Arms Park."

Cardiff Rugby director of rugby Dai Young believes the Welsh club have benefited from their brave displays in defeat in the first two rounds of the Heineken Champions Cup and are well set now for their home tie with English champions Harlequins on Friday night.