Corniel van Zyl has paid tribute to Cardiff’s mature and conservative approach after they edged to an important win over Benetton Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

The Blue & Blacks won ugly in difficult conditions at the Arms Park to keep their play-off credentials firmly intact.

BKT Player of the Match, Josh McNally, scored a crucial try mid-way through the second-half, after losing the ball over the line early in the first, and the combined boots of Callum Sheedy and Ioan Lloyd kept the scoreboard ticking over.

The victory moves Cardiff back into the URC top four, level on points with third-placed Leinster, but in the knowledge that far greater tests loom on the horizon.

Van Zyl said: “Definitely pleased with it – a win is a win. We need to obviously enjoy it because wins don’t always come that often. The last five minutes was pleasing but they did get a bit of momentum probably 10-12 minutes before that.  

“The most pleasing thing was just the way we pulled through. The conditions weren’t the easiest. A few times we tried to be expansive in the first-half, where the conditions were a bit better, but we got stuck. We went to basics and ultimately took the win.  

“Obviously the leaders in the team making the decisions on pitch make good calls and we always back them as coaches, whatever they feel on the game because what you see (in the stands) and what you experience (on the pitch) is not the same. 

“If you look at the scoreboard that’s (penalties) what the difference was.”

With off field affairs making the headlines in a turbulent week in Welsh rugby, Van Zyl was pleased with the team’s focus, and he will require a heightened level with six of Cardiff’s remaining nine URC matches on the road.

He added: “It’s been a busy week for all the players in the regions and for Cardiff. We’ve been good here as a group of players to focus on the weekend. We kept the boys focused on that and the task at hand. More clarity will come and that will keep driving us forward. It’s been a busy week but happy with today. 

“It’s all about planning and just getting the boys ready and up for it. We know we’re going to have a few away challenges, next week’s the first one. We’ll give it a go and see what happens. We’re looking forward to the journey.”