Belcher fighting for Cardiff spot before Wales bid

Hooker Liam Belcher insists his focus is on keeping the number two jersey at Cardiff rather than looking to earn a first start with Wales this summer.

The 29-year-old will be a key figure as the Blue and Blacks attempt to qualify for the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs.

Belcher's form for Cardiff earned a first cap against Japan last summer and he played twice in the autumn as well as in the Six Nations opener at England.

He then saw fit-again Scarlets rival Ryan Elias take over as captain Dewi Lake's deputy for the rest of the championship.

"I had limited game time but enjoyed being part of that environment so much," said Belcher.

"I loved it there. It is invaluable, whether you are playing or not, to train with some of the best players and also learn from coaches like Dan Lydiate, who has been there and done it."

All five of his Test appearances have been off the bench and he will look to feature against Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in June and July.

With Wales sweating on the availability of the injured Lake, Belcher is a contender along with Elias, fit-again Elliot Dee, Brodie Coghlan and clubmate Evan Lloyd.

"Everyone is playing well but there is also a hell of a battle here at Cardiff between me, Daf Hughes and Evan, while Tom Howe went really well for Wales Under-20s," said Belcher.

"My main focus is on performing for Cardiff because if I don't then there are very good players chomping at the bit."

Of those rivals, physical teenager Howe is yet to make his senior debut but is already catching the eye.

"He was one of the shining lights for Wales Under-20s and if he keeps his head down and keeps doing what he is doing then he has a massive future," said Belcher.

"It's great to see a Cardiff boy doing what he did and he seems to be very down to earth. He is new to our environment but is a nice kid."

Image caption,

Liam Belcher is in his second spell at Cardiff spending 2018-19 with Dragons

The Blue and Blacks are not in action this weekend after being knocked out of the Challenge Cup in the last 16 by Benetton.

The tenacious performance in Treviso, when denied victory in controversial circumstances, gives confidence as Corniel van Zyl's injury-hit side look to finish the job in the URC after being in the top eight all season.

Cardiff missed out by a point and a place last year and upcoming derbies against Scarlets in Llanelli and Ospreys at the Arms Park are vital if they are to hold off the challenge of Connacht and Sharks.

"We spoke about the run-in last year when we knew what we had to do and fell short. It's the same this season and all that you can do is take it one game at a time," said Belcher.

"Results happen around you, and anything can happen on any given matchday, but as long as we look after ourselves and get our working week right on the Monday to Friday then the performances will come on the weekends."

Cardiff go to Llanelli on Saturday, 18 April (17:30 BST) and will also hope for a favour from Ospreys that evening when Sharks visit Bridgend (19:45 BST).