Corniel van Zyl has praised Cardiff’s fighting spirit and attacking rugby as they came agonisingly close to claiming a first win at Thomond Park. 

The Blue & Blacks were right in the contest in Limerick and were in the position to make history when Tom Bowen crossed for the first of his three tries. 

However as the clock approached full-time, the Irish province had edged into a eight-point lead thanks to the boot of Jack Crowley.

It would have been a cruel conclusion for Cardiff but they embodied the cultural values spoken about so frequently and refused to leave empty-handed. 

Slick hands were again on show as electric wing Bowen, just 20-year-old, darted over for a third in the left-hand corner to secure a try-scoring and losing bonus-point. 

It was just reward for the visitors and they have now taken seven points from a possible 10 in the opening weeks of the BKT United Rugby Championship season.

Fight, enjoyment and growth

Van Zyl said: “It’s a tough one to take ultimately at the end. I thought we stuck into the game quite well for long periods. Bit in that second half, that middle bit, we conceded a few penalties which I think could have been avoidable. 

“Towards the end, the score was greater (than seven points). They caught us with a few errors and then gave them a few positions. 

“So it was tough but then ultimately, the fight at the end was nice to see. The boys wanted to do it, get that fourth try and obviously take a few points home

“We missed the play-offs by one point (last season) so you need to grab it through the whole season where you can. That’s definitely a positive. 

“Just the way the boys fight for the jersey and the enjoyment they show in doing that was unbelievable to see.

“It was obviously a goal for us to win every game.  We can’t go into it without having that goal but outside of Wales especially, it’s a big one for us to grow.”

Six from six for electric wing Bowen

The South African-born former Italian international also reserved special praise for Bowen.

He has now crossed for six tries in six senior appearances, and while he would undoubtedly have swapped Saturday’s hat-trick for a win, it was a memorable occasion for all.

Van Zyl said: “That puts a smile on everybody’s face. The way he finished that second try was next level, and I think that’s definitely one for the books. 

“Well done to him, he’s just using the opportunity he gets so it’s great to see. Two weeks in a row where he’s scored four tries (in total), got the bonus point, playing some good attacking rugby.

“We’re back to the enjoyment. It’s like what the people want to see, what we want to do, that’s how we enjoy it and scoring tries is a good measure.”

Cardiff return to the Arms Park where they host Connacht, who saw their fixture against the Scarlets postponed, on Saturday, October 11. 

Van Zyl said: “The Arms Park is a massive place to play at home. We believe the growth is in the away wins, but obviously we need to get the job done at home. 

“There’s a little bit of a turnaround with the travel and stuff, but Connacht is something for the boys to get excited about.” 

Tickets for Cardiff versus Connacht on Saturday, October 11 (19:45) are available now by clicking the button below or calling 029 20 302030