Corniel van Zyl was pleased with Cardiff Rugby’s pre-season as they made their final preparations for the BKT United Rugby Championship against Exeter Chiefs.

The Blue & Blacks were edged out 28-33, with former age-grade product Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, claiming the decisive try. 

But there was plenty to take from the encounter for Cardiff, who impressed for long spells, and let Exeter into the game through their own mistakes.

Van Zyl said: “In the first half the ball in play time was very low, the plan was to change a few players earlier but we decided to stick with them. So it was nice to see them switching the momentum and getting us on the front foot before we made the changes.

“It was a good run out for both teams. It’s about game time and to give a few boys, especially the ones that started later, a bit more game time. It kicks off next week, so that was the aim.

“I think we’re in a decent place. The squad is fairly healthy, so it’s now just how we transfer everything we’ve been doing into the first game. We will be ready. Give it a good go.”

Van Zyl could take extra encouragement from the performances of several youngsters, who played much of the second-half.

While Exeter maintained an experienced side, and demonstrated their focus on the fixture by opting for penalties, Cardiff called on the likes of Lloyd Lucas, Steffan Emanuel, Matty Young and Osian Darwin-Lewis, who went head-to-head with England’s Henry Slade.

And the young guns more than held their own, showing quality and maturity in high pressure moments.

He added: “I thought it was going to be a 40-40 for both teams, but to be fair they ended up playing against very good players and very experienced players. 

“It’s good for them to learn on the game situations and also the pressure situations to become ultimately better players. The opportunity was there, so I was pleased for them.”