Alex Mann insists Cardiff demand more after they edged to a 22nd consecutive BKT United Rugby Championship victory over Dragons on Boxing Day.
The Blue & Blacks went into the encounter frustrated by a festive defeat to the Scarlets and they again dominated for long spells at the Arms Park.
They controlled much of the encounter but were unable to cross for the decisive bonus-point try and saw the Dragons fight back to set up a nervous finale.
Ultimately Cardiff clung on to finish 2025 on a winning note and temporarily climb to second in the league table but there was no elation at the Arms Park.
Mann said: “I wouldn’t say we’re happy (with the performance), we demand more off each other but it’s a win and in a derby, which are always tight games.
“Last week we were on the other side of the scoreboard so it’s pleasing, with one more of these Christmas derbies to go. A win’s a win and that’s a positive.”
Cardiff’s three tries came through Javan Sebastian and Mann from close-range and Josh Adams, who finished a fine attack but other opportunities in the redzone went unconverted.
He continued: “It was really good but I felt like we had some opportunities in the 22, the same as last week, where we could have been better.
“It’s just little details. We watched Scarlets back and we were all honest with each other and it was just little stuff that would make a big difference.
“I thought the first half was really good but then in the second half it was twice where we were in the 22 and we thought we could have scored but we didn’t. That’s something we will have to look at again.
“But we backed our systems, especially in that last five minutes and that’s the pleasing thing for us. As a group we have shown all season that we are tight and we fight for each other so it’s pleasing to see us come out on top.”
Cardiff next travel to the Brewery Field where they face the Ospreys on New Year’s Day. Mark Jones’ men warmed up with an impressive win over the Scarlets and will be determined to continue their recent resurgence.
Mann added: “It’s going to be another tough game, all the derbies are but especially the Ospreys on the Brewery Field. It’s another challenge for us, another challenge to put our game on the pitch and it’s something we’re excited for.”