Corniel van Zyl has praised the effort and determination of Cardiff Rugby after they battled to an impressive 26-0 victory over the Ospreys in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Following a victory over the Dragons in their first game at St Helen’s the Ospreys homecoming turned into a Halloween nightmare against the Blue & Blacks.
Tom Bowen bagged an early brace and Josh Adams crossed as Cardiff led by 19-points at half-time.
Van Zyl’s side then absorbed an enormous amount of pressure to keep the Ospreys out before securing the bonus-point try through Tom Howe.
It was the first time Cardiff have won a first-team fixture at St Helen’s in the regional era and a first win on Ospreys soil since 2019.
“We always speak about the derbies being very close games and could be decided on a a moment so I definitely didn’t expect that winning margin.
“There was an amazing effort by the boys and all credit to them, to the staff, to the coaches for the way we prepared this game for.
“I’m also looking at one of the most strong points and strengths, which is obviously the maul – the boys stuck in, they really fought for the jersey and the club.”
Unfamiliar territory
Cardiff effectively disarmed the Ospreys driving lineout and denied them anything from more than 20 entries to the 22. They could have been even further in front on half-time but Johan Mulder was held up over the line, but going in to the changing rooms with a 19-point advantage ensured the second-half was all about effort and composure.
Van Zyl continued: “We had one held up over the line which was unfortunate to really put the stamp on the game. But it’s always tough because I suppose we don’t necessarily go into half time with 19 or lead often. So it’s to compose the boys, go again and that was definitely a little bit different to what we used to.”
Cardiff now have five weekends without a fixture as the Nations Championship gets underway. They return to action against Ulster on December 5, in a double-header fixture on the nearest date to the club’s 150thanniversary.
Van Zyl added: “To be honest, I think the boys have had a few bangs and knocks. Obviously the internationals keep on going.
“The next block is going to be nine games, so we will have to get everything ready. I do feel like the break is at a decent time, which will then allow us to work on stuff we haven’t been so great at the first block and then go again after in December because that’s going to be a massive run of games.”
Tickets for Cardiff vs Ulster (followed by Cardiff RFC vs Newport RFC) and all home fixtures in the second block of the season are available now.