Corniel van Zyl has pinpointed Cardiff’s discipline as the key ingredient as his side brought Leinster’s winning run to an end to climb to third in the BKT United Rugby Championship table.
The reigning champions arrived in the Welsh capital on the back of an 11-game streak in all competitions but came unstuck in difficult conditions.
For the first 40 minutes the Arms Park was lashed by torrential rain, with Callum Sheedy’s penalty the only points on the scoreboard.
Cam Winnett and Mason Grady combined to create a moment of brilliance down the left, which unlocked the Leinster defence and saw Dan Thomas send Aled Davies over.
Leinster hit back when Cardiff were down to 14 men, but throughout the entire encounter, the home side gave away just three penalties.
Van Zyl was once again pleased with his side’s fight and the home support, but it was that squeaky clean discipline that proved the difference.
He said: “It’s obviously nice to get on the right side of the result. We adapted well to the conditions – it wasn’t easy to play.
“Obviously the kicking came into play. Our discipline I think has been the best this season definitely and then also potentially what I can remember in my coaching experience because we only conceded three penalties, which was massive.
“They obviously conceded a few more, but it was frustrating because we had a few opportunities, especially the first half, to apply a little bit more pressure.
“But it’s always going to be tough, with knock-ons and that stuff coming into play. It wasn’t easy.
“It’s almost like a one-off game. You just felt like if you go out and try and put pressure on them, win the territory, win the possession, then we’ve got a good chance to get on top. I’m pleased with the plan and how it unfolded.
“We pride ourselves on performing at home. We want to make this place a fortress and be as good as we can at home, at the Arms Park, in front of our friends and families.”
The victory moved the Blue & Blacks to third in the URC table and within touching difference of the play-offs.
Van Zyl admits that is the ultimate ambition but is acutely aware there is a long way to go and will continue to focus on day to day.
He added: “It’s one hurdle at a time. That was the biggest focus instead of looking at the table. Ultimately, you want to collect as many points as you can in any game, and i’m just pleased with how it unfolded.”