The Cardiff Blues pack provided the platform for Monday’s bonus point win over Edinburgh Rugby, according to outside half Jarrod Evans.
The playmaker racked up 19 points against the Scottish outfit, including an impressive second half try, created by half back partner, Lloyd Williams.
Evans was released from Wales’ Six Nations squad ahead of the final Guinness PRO14 match of the campaign, as his side cemented a fourth place finish in Conference B.
After Scarlets also claimed victory to seal third place, there is now a wait to see whether that is enough for Champions Cup qualification ahead of the 2021/22 season.
However, it’s a case of looking at the positives for Evans, and the Welsh international was delighted that his side were fully-focused on completing their own task in the clash of the capitals.
“In the second half, we really came through. In the first half they put us under a lot of pressure, especially in the first 10 to 15 minutes, but we dealt with that and kept it to a one-score game,” said the outside half.
“We were pretty confident that we were building into half time and as you saw, we really put the pressure on and turned it on against them.
“It was a great kick from Lloyd, first of all, and that backfield space is something that we’re constantly looking for.
“To be fair, Lloyd’s kick was spot on to make it a well-taken try. It all came through a dominance up front and our forwards really stepped up.
“We knew we had to win the game, first and foremost. We got ourselves into a two-score lead and knew we were chasing that bonus point.
“All credit to the boys, because we didn’t stop fighting until the end and our defensive sets, attacking sets, mauls and scrums were dominant.
“The boys really fought until the end and that’s really pleasing to see.”
Next up for Cardiff is a Good Friday clash with London Irish in the round of 16 of the European Challenge Cup.
Heading into the encounter on the back of consecutive bonus point wins, Evans is optimistic as his side aim to repeat the heroics of 2010 and 2018 in their bid for European silverware.
“We’ll look back at this game and not get too carried away with what we’re doing,” added the Welsh international.
“We’re going to keep building and relish the European competition.
“We’ve had a taste of that before and I know the boys will be keen to put in a big performance on the weekend.
“I’ve watched a fair bit of London Irish in the Gallagher Premiership and they’re a pretty dangerous side.
“Paddy Jackson runs things pretty well for them and they’ve got a lot of star names. We’re going to have to be on the money against them, with and without the ball, when we’re managing the game.
“We’ll build confidence from the wins over Benetton and Edinburgh and head up there all guns blazing.