Head Coach Danny Wilson has urged his Cardiff Blues to use the performance against Montpellier as a catalyst for the upcoming Guinness PRO12 derby games with Newport Gwent Dragons and Scarlets over the festive and New Year period.
Cardiff Blues pushed Montpellier all the way before an injury time try saw the French side snatch a 23-22 win in dramatic fashion.
And despite the pain of a loss at the Altrad Stadium, Wilson insisted his team were on the right road.
He said: “We are on the right track. It is frustrating but we have to make sure we are proud of this display.
“We have had two wins and a narrow lose here. We are extremely competitive and you have seen a group of players who are fighting right until the final whistle.
“A group who have been criticised in the past for not doing that, we are now seeing that now.
“It’s long term process here and small steps; we are taking those small steps forward,” he added.
“It’s devastating to come that close and not quite get the result. But we have to look at it as a catalyst to drive us forward into the derby games. Our job at the moment is about the performances and this was a positive.”