Alex Mann says Cardiff Rugby’s opening home victory of the season provided the perfect response to their derby win over Scarlets, as the Blue & Blacks secured a 40-26 bonus-point victory at Cardiff Arms Park.

Following last weekend’s 15 – 21 win at Parc y Scarlets, Cardiff backed up that result with another strong attacking display on home soil, scoring six tries to claim maximum points.

Mann was pleased with the way Cardiff started the contest, having identified the opening exchanges as a key area during their preparations.

“We spoke about starting well because they’re a very emotional side, so the first 20 minutes was quite crucial for us,” said Mann.

“I thought the first 20 minutes was brilliant. That was massive for us and set the tone for the first half.”

Cardiff built a commanding advantage before the interval, although the visitors fought back after the break to make the scoreline closer than it had appeared at half-time.

Mann acknowledged there were areas for Cardiff to improve, but stressed that securing the win and bonus point was the overriding objective.

“Five points and a win is exactly what we wanted,” he said. “We probably let ourselves down a bit in the second half in terms of letting some tries in, but we came for the win and we came for five points, so everyone is very pleased.”

The flanker also praised the impact of Cardiff’s replacements, with the bench helping the hosts maintain their intensity as the game progressed.

“I thought the bench were really good when they came on. They brought an impact, which is what you want,” Mann said.

“It was a squad effort. We’ve got real depth in loads of positions, so it speaks volumes that we’re all sharing the workload.”

That depth will be particularly important as Cardiff continue to manage their squad through a demanding opening period of the season. With players, like Mann, returning from international duty over the summer and others pushing for opportunities.

Mann believes the competition within the squad is already helping to raise standards.

“It’s a competition and we all help each other,” he said. “Whatever the team is, the boys perform. We’ve got a lot of boys to come back as well, which is always exciting.

“We’ve got a lot of experienced boys and a lot of competition, but whatever happens, I think we’re in a good place.”

The result leaves Cardiff with maximum points from their opening two fixtures – a start Mann admits the squad would have been delighted with before the campaign began.

“If someone said that before the start of the season, two games and 9 points, we would have taken it,” he said. “Especially with a tough derby away to Scarlets and then our first home game to settle the nerves, it’s a brilliant start.

“The aim is to win every game, so we’ll keep pushing towards that.”

For Mann, Saturday’s victory was made even more special by the return to the loyal fans at Cardiff Arms Park.

The flanker was quick to praise the supporters who helped create a strong atmosphere throughout the afternoon, with the squad staying on the pitch after the final whistle to meet fans and young supporters.

“Everyone coming in and supporting, speaking to all the fans and seeing the kids on the pitch afterwards, I think that’s what makes Cardiff the club that it is,” Mann said.

“The players feel that as well. With 10 minutes to go we could hear the crowd backing us and it does make a difference.

“We’re very thankful for the supporters coming out.”

With two wins from two and a haul of 9 points, Cardiff now turn their attention to maintaining that early-season momentum as their 150th season continues away to Leinster next weekend.