Domestically it has been better news for Townsend's troops who currently sit fifth in the table while the Blues are down in ninth.
And Townsend's, whose side beat Connacht last time out, admits it is time to set the record straight against their Welsh opposition.
"We travel to Cardiff with plenty of motivation given it was our two defeats to the Blues that effectively ended our Heineken Cup ambitions this season," he said.
"We were really disappointed with our back-to-back defeats to the Blues and we're determined to make amends this weekend.
"The Blues are a quality side and will be looking to get back to winning ways after their defeat to Munster.
"This is the first of three consecutive games on the road for us and we know this is a crucial period of the season, ahead of a number of home games."
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