Olly Robinson was delighted after Cardiff Blues responded to a Guinness PRO14 derby defeat with a bonus-point triumph over Zebre.
The Blues were off the pace during the first-half last week at Parc y Scarlets and left themselves too much to do against the reigning champions but there was no cause for concern at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday night.
While fireworks pierced the skies across the capital there was arguably even more spark on the pitch as the home side dominated throughout and racked up five tries.
Lloyd Williams and Willis Halaholo scored in the first half, with Matthew Rees, Matthew Morgan and Tom James completing the rout.
The Blues have now won four out of their last five games in all competitions as attention turns to the Anglo-Welsh Cup, and Robinson, who won the Guinness man-of-the-match award was pleased with the response.
He said: “We had spoken all week about the need for a response from last week, particularly defensively and I think that was a lot more us.
“We were very good in the first half and let ourselves down a little with the try at the end, which we’re very disappointed about but the boys can be really proud of their effort against a very good Zebre side, who came and played a lot of rugby.
“That was a big step up from last week. Last week we didn’t look like Cardiff Blues but this week we put our marker down and almost shut out a good Zebre side.”
Robinson linked up with Cardiff Blues on a short-term loan to cover injuries to Sam Warburton, Ellis Jenkins and James Botham.
That has subsequently been extended and Robinson, the son of former England and Lions flanker Andy, has now featured in seven matches.
He added: “It’s great to come here and be able to be on the pitch and play with some fantastic players, Ellis and Warby are two top boys and then young James Botham is a very good rugby player.”
Cardiff Blues return to the Arms Park on Friday, November 17, when they take on the Ospreys in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. They then switch attention back to the PRO14 with a home clash against Connacht. Tickets for both encounters are available now.