Taine Basham has paid tribute to the Arms Park crowd after Cardiff locked in their place in the BKT United Rugby Championship play-offs.

The Blue & Blacks were underdogs against a near full-strength DHL Stormers but they fought tooth and nail in a performance for the ages.

Their effort was typified by Basham, who was like a man possessed and picked up the BKT Player of the Match award. Reflecting on the memorable evening, he was blown away by the home support.

He said: “We knew what we had to come and do. It’s not about the points or trying to get four tries. It’s all about getting the result in the end and I thought the boys and this crowd was excellent tonight. 

“I think home advantage, you know. Friday night at the CAP was pretty loud and you can feel the crowd going up on the top of you. They’ve got your back and I think ultimately at the end the home advantage helped us.”

Basham made an incredible 25 carries, making 47 metres and beating six defenders in a tireless performance.

And after having to bide his time to get substantial minutes, he feels he is now finding form in Blue & Black. 

“Coming towards the end season and getting a run of starts in eight, I like to play seven as well but just to start the game is good enough for me.

“Hopefully that’s not it now we go into the quarters and get the job done.”