Defence coach Gethin Jenkins was pleased with the fight the team showed during the hard-fought encounter against Edinburgh last week.
The Blue and Blacks held the lead heading into the break, but Edinburgh pulled away in the second half, with their strength in depth off the bench showing.
Jenkins acknowledged Cardiff missed opportunities during the game, but praised his side's efforts in the face of the physical challenge set by the Scottish team.
“I couldn't be more pleased with the fight the boys showed,” said Jenkins. “It’s a tough game going up there, they had a big side, and they brought some big players off the bench as well.
“But the boys fought hard, I think obviously at half time the score was quite close.
“We missed a few opportunities towards the end of that half, some our doing, some not our doing and I suppose towards the end of the game the pressure and the physical toll on what we were delivering probably showed on the scoreboard.”
As Cardiff prepare for their sixth game of the block in the BKT United Rugby this weekend, Jenkins reflected on the opening rounds of games, which began with two wins.
“The first two games we played teams who finished below us last year, so even though we won we always knew they were going to be close games and I think we let ourselves down a little bit against Glasgow out here, especially in terms of some of the defence.
“We were probably a little bit flat against the Scarlets. I think last week was a big step up from the Scarlets game for us.
“I know the scoreline didn't show that, but in terms of the way the boys applied themselves and the way we tried to express ourselves, it was a big step in the right direction.”
Looking ahead to the Ulster match on Saturday, Jenkins believes Cardiff are prepared for the challenge and are focused on finishing strong before the break.
“Hopefully now, going into the weekend, our sixth game in the block, we get a chance to put in a good performance at home.
“I don't think we've looked too far ahead. I think Saturday, playing Ulster, we gave a good account of ourselves last year up there, so we know a little bit what's coming from them.
“We've focused on a few things we can probably improve from last weekend and it's a chance for us to hopefully finish a block on a high.
On the squad's health and selection process, Jenkins was encouraged by the growing competition within the team, particularly in the forward pack and the return of key players from injury.
“It's probably one of the first weeks where we've probably had a bit more discussion in selection because of people coming back in, especially back five of the scrum,” added Jenkins.
“It's probably the last one before we get a couple more back for the end of November as well, so it has been good.
“Some people are upset with maybe not being involved or not starting, but it's actually nice to have a full 15 to run against us in training. So, actually touch wood, we’ve got healthy numbers at the moment.”