Lloyd Williams: Cardiff Blues must 'prove critics wrong'

Lloyd Williams (right) has a kick charged down by Dan Baker during Cardiff Blues' defeat to Ospreys

Beating Pro12 leaders Connacht could help Cardiff Blues prove their critics wrong, says scrum-half Lloyd Williams.

The Blues have endured a torrid season, winning only one and losing seven of their eight league games to date.

Only Italian sides Treviso and Zebre lie below them in the table, but Williams hopes victory against Connacht on Friday could be a turning point.

"I understand why people are writing us off but we would like to prove them wrong," he told BBC Wales Sport.

"Connacht are top of the table for a reason. They've been strong the last couple of years and they're a team no-one can take lightly.

"We're eager to get a home win. The sooner we can get a few wins under our belts, the better, and we can kick-start our season."

Connacht have enjoyed an excellent start to their campaign, winning seven and losing only once to sit two points clear at the Pro12's summit.

It is in stark contrast to Blues head coach Danny Wilson's first season at the helm.

Since an opening-weekend thrashing of Zebre, the Blues have lost seven successive league games - hindered by the fact they had to play five straight fixtures away from home while the Arms Park was used as a fanzone during the World Cup.

Injuries to important players such as Wales captain Sam Warburton and fellow back-rowers Ellis Jenkins and Josh Navidi have compounded their problems.

In the corresponding fixture against Connacht last season, Joaquin Tuculet's last-minute try gave the Blues a dramatic 18-17 win.

Lloyd Williams (left) and Alex Cuthbert (right) have won 24 and 40 caps for Wales respectively

Blues and Wales wing Alex Cuthbert hopes they will not have to leave it so late on Friday.

"I wouldn't mind it being easier than that but to get any sort of win against Connacht would be great for us," he said.

"We've had a difficult season and not had the results we wanted but over the next couple of weeks we've got a solid couple of home games which, confidence-wise, is what we need.

"We've got a big result in us and hopefully this weekend will be it."