Corniel van Zyl admits even he does not know how Cardiff managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat following a rousing comeback against Ulster at the Arms Park. 

The Blue & Blacks made a dream start against Ulster, scoring two tries inside 12 minutes, in Round 2 of the European Challenge Cup, but mistakes let the visitors back in. 

Despite George Nott and Tom Bowen’s quick-fire double, Ulster led 14-12 at the break and Werner Kok’s second-half brace appeared to put them away.

But Cardiff displayed that never say die attitude we are growing so accustomed to and driven on by an increasingly vociferous home crowd, irate from perceived referee indiscretions, they battled back. 

Danny Southworth, fresh from his first international honours, made a telling contribution and rumbled over to give the home side a sniff of another comeback against the Northern Ireland province and Dan Thomas soon burrowed over in similar fashion.

Sheedy converted both efforts and when the pack earned a scrum penalty, he displayed nerves of steel to land the match-winner with the final kick of the game.

Van Zyl said: “It was a rollercoaster. We started well but we missed an opportunity which we could have gone three scores up. 

“We know Ulster are a quality side so it’s going to take a lot of defending as well to get on top. I felt we did okay at times and then very good at others and then probably not so good at times. 

“But it was a big momentum game. When they went 14 points up, it was like, we need to find something here. To be fair, I actually don’t know how they did it but one try at a time and then see what happens.

“Both of the last two kicks (were impressive). To get that right and then convert it was crucial to go 26-all. 

“When Ben Thomas dropped that ball at the end, was like… Okay. But then that’s the beauty about it. We back our scrum, obviously go for the penalty which is a crucial point in the game. It’s a pleasure to see.”

Next up for Cardiff is a return to the BKT United Rugby Championship and three consecutive Welsh derbies. The festivities kick-off at the Arms Park where Scarlets are the visitors before the Dragons on Boxing Day.

Van Zyl added: “The derbies are obviously important, not only for where we are in the URC, but also for the boys. They want to have a go at it, and against other regions it’s always tough to select.

“We’re missing a few forwards, but hopefully they will come back soon.  The backs are in a good place in terms of their health and availability so that’s obviously positive to see. 

“We’ll have a good discussion with the medical team on some of those players but they will be close to getting back.”