Dai Young was pleased with how his side responded in the second half of Friday’s defeat to Bristol Bears, but admits a slow start cost them at Ashton Gate.
Liam Belcher and Mason Grady crossed on either side of half time, but Cardiff were unable to recover from a 24-7 half time deficit.
And while there were positives to take from the friendly encounter, the director of rugby wants to see his side learning from the experience.
“Certainly it was a lot more positive in the second half. We showed a lot more energy and a lot more fight in the second half,” said the former British and Irish Lion.
“We started really poorly. For the first 20 to 25 minutes, physically and mentally we weren’t on it, and against a team like Bristol if you let them get their noses in front and let them get momentum, you’re going to be chasing the game.
“We were out-powered for the first 20 to 25 minutes and we couldn’t really get to grips with their big ball carriers. They were always winning the collisions so we were chasing the game really.
“Obviously then, when you’re under the pump, you’re going to give away a lot of penalties. We faced something like 10 five-meter driving line-outs, which was the result of the pressure we were under in other areas of the field. That allowed them to have easy access.
“Half time couldn’t come quick enough for us and in the second half we were far more energetic. We controlled the contact area better and started firing shots of our own.
“But in all honesty I never felt that we were in control of that game.
“So yes, it was a far better second half but a clear lesson to us that you have to be on the money from the word go.”
Ben Burnell made his first team debut from the bench, while youngsters such as Cameron Winnett, Efan Daniel and Ellis Bevan were also given an opportunity at Ashton Gate.
Young believes the game-time will be invaluable for his wider squad as all eyes turn to the BKT United Rugby Championship trip to South Africa later this month.
Young added: “We had a lot of boys tonight who haven’t played much rugby, and a couple of guys that obviously have played a lot. So there were opportunities tonight for people to put their hands up to get into the 23, and opportunities for boys to stay in the 23.
“There were some real positive performances but some obviously feel they probably didn’t do themselves justice. But the most important thing for us was getting a run out, so when we do go to South Africa there’s guys that have had that game time.
“We’ve more or less got a full squad to pick from because they will be two real high intensity games, real high physicality and you’re probably going to need to squad out there.
“Hopefully come South Africa we can hit the ground running. This is a new experience for myself as well. I’ve never been a part of a league that has three or four weeks off in mid-season, so I wasn’t quite sure how to handle it if I’m honest.
“We’ve done plenty of contact training and plenty of conditioning games, but you can’t replicate game time.
“So we were really pleased that we could get this fixture because, as I said, a lot of the boys will be in the 23 come South Africa, having probably only been on the fringes previously.
“So it was hugely important for them to get some game-time and benefit from that. Week after week now, a lot of our youngsters are getting more and more game time, and they’re only going to get better.
“The only way they get better is they get more opportunities like tonight. Obviously it’s not great losing in these occasions but it’s better to lose in a friendly and hopefully learn from it.
“Everyone says they learn from defeats, so let’s make sure we do.”
Cardiff are set to welcome Bristol the Arms Park for a reverse fixture on the eve of Wales’ Six Nations clash with England.
Young hopes for another memorable occasion as his side seek revenge in the Severnside derby.
The former Wales prop added: “Hopefully there will be a lot of English supporters down at the Arms Park in February, but it’s something that suits both parties.
“We were disappointed not to play Zebre at the start of the season, but especially for our season ticket and box holders. It’s important that they get an opportunity to watch the team as much as possible.
“So we’re glad we got this game. It adds a little bit of spice - we were beaten today, they were the better team and hopefully, come February, we can get our own back.”