Attack Coach Paul John praised the spirit and character shown by Cardiff Blues as they roared back against Ulster with a thrilling second half display that had threatened an incredible comeback.
Cardiff Blues had trailed 21-0 early in the second half in Belfast before coming alive with a blistering display of attacking and cohesive running rugby to set off alarm bells for the home side at the Kingspan Stadium.
Argentine ace Lucas Amorosino set up Tom Isaacs for his fist try for Blues before Alex Cuthbert was on the end of a well-worked team try as the Welsh region rattled up 17 unanswered points in less than quarter of an hour of breathless rugby.
Late tries from Louis Ludik and Paul Marshall eventually wrapped up a bonus point win for high-flying Ulster Rugby.
But there were still positives for John as he saw Blues – who lost Rhys Patchell and Cory Allen to injury in the opening six minutes – find some second half form ahead of the big European derby day with Newport Gwent Dragons next weekend.
“We were without the ball for most of the first half and we hadn’t really got into the game or tested them as they opened up a 18-0 lead,” said John.
“If we had scored at the end of the first half, when we had all that pressure, we would have been pleased when you consider the bad start we had. We were disappointed not to score then.
“It was a great effort second half to get back to 21-17 and with ten minutes to go we were looking at a bonus point, a draw, certainly getting something from the game.
“The game was breaking up and we had a lot of tired bodies out there. When it opened up it probably suited them more.
“Eventually a couple of errors towards the end nullified that comeback and overall we have still got to be disappointed with that result. But I am pleased with the effort second half and we can build on that.”