Corniel van Zyl has called on Cardiff to build crucial momentum after they began their BKT United Rugby Championship with victory over Scarlets.
The Blue & Blacks return to the Arms Park on Friday, where they host Zebre Parma in Round 2 of the BKT United Rugby Championship.
While his side edged affairs in an error-strewn encounter, typical of the first round of the season, there was plenty to like in the performance. Cardiff dominated up front and for long periods, but couldn’t quite make the final moment stick.
Tries from Dan Thomas, Taine Basham and Evan Lloyd proved crucial and van Zyl now wants his side to refine their game and take another step forward against Zebre.
Speaking at full-time in Llanelli, van Zyl said: “Obviously, you always take it. So, we are happy. We always did well. Everybody who came on made a difference.
“Our mauls were good. They obviously didn’t have that many close line maul opportunities like we did. It’s good to be in that position, 100 per cent.
“That first game of the season feeling, is you never really know where you are in terms of performance. So to come away with the win is great and now carrying on with that momentum.
“We are obviously excited about going back to Cardiff Arms Park next week, so that’ll be good.
“I actually don’t know what the result was (13-47 loss to Vodacom Bulls) but we know they’re team that come out and fight. They’ve had a very good way of winning in the past.
“They’re tough team to break down and also they just don’t let go so they keep coming at you. They’re very good at the breakdown and we struggled with it last year so the breakdown contact will be massive against them.”
Van Zyl also retained special praise for second-row Teddy Williams, who made his first competitive appearance for the club since dislocating his foot in October last year.
The Wales international looked like he had never been away, doing the basics well and making some telling breaks with clever link up play.
Van Zyl said: “I’m very pleased for him personally, just because he had a massive injury and yes, he had a comeback for Wales in the summer, which was pleasing and then a few games off the bench.
“But it tested our stock a little bit on the second row when he had the injury but I’m very pleased for him. He’s had a decent start to the season after tonight’s performance and there’s definitely something to build on.”
Cardiff Rugby host Zebre Parma at the Arms Park on Friday, October 2 (7:45pm) and tickets are available now! Call 029 20 302030 or hit the button below!