The Pontypridd and Blues coach is hoping the region deliver a matching performance to the one which saw the Blues inflict a first defeat of 2014 on Ulster last weekend.
The Blues take on Edinburgh at the Scottish side’s second home of Meggetland on Friday night, with their sights set on catching Newport Gwent Dragons as they aim to avoid finishing as the lowest placed Welsh region. The capital based side currently sit 10th in the PRO12 on 28 points, only three behind ninth placed Dragons.
“We got back to basics last week and that’s what we need to do again, we need to maintain possession,” said John.
“Edinburgh got a hard-fought win over the Dragons last week and they play some good rugby. All these games are difficult games at the moment, but we’ve got to focus on ourselves first and foremost.
“Meggetland is more enclosed (than Murrayfield) with a big atmosphere. We’ll go in with the same approach, though.”
John was quick to hail his returning senior players for demanding more from the squad in training over the last couple of weeks, with the likes of veteran hooker Matthew Rees and Wales’ most-capped player Gethin Jenkins really raising the standards.
“The players are buoyant after the Ulster result and having senior players back on the field like Matthew Rees and Gethin Jenkins is good because they demand high standards.
“We’ve got everything to play for, we’ve restored some pride in the jersey and now we need to maintain that standard of performance.
“We need to improve from there and see where we finish off as a result. It’s crucial to finish off the season with a bit of momentum.”
