Frustrated coach Paul John admitted a lack of discipline had undermined Cardiff Blues as they slipped to a 36-17 defeat against Glasgow Warriors in the Guinness PRO12 at Scotstoun Stadium.
Peter Horne grabbed a first half hat-trick and further scores from Dougie Hall and Adam Ashe ensured a bonus point for the Warriors before half-time.
Cardiff Blues hit back in the second half and showed some fight and spirit with tries from Gareth Davies and Dan Fish.
But that was of little consolation to coach John after a first half that saw Blues pinned back for long periods and concede numerous penalties and turnovers.
He said: “Our lack of discipline really cost us and we are all very frustrated. We gave away so many penalties in that game and in the first half there was about 12 and five turnovers.
“We caused them a few problems early on in the game, but our discipline really killed us in the first half. We couldn’t get anything going because we had no possession.
“You have got to control the ball and if you give that many turnovers you are going to struggle to get any foothold.
“Glasgow are a cracking side, they can score from anywhere and have big men and some great players with good hands. They are a real threat all over the field.
“But when you put yourself on the back foot with penalties and turnovers any side can make you pay, let alone Glasgow who are one of the best sides in the league. Credit to them because they capitalised on what we gave them.
“The second half we could have scored even more tries – but that just makes the first half even more disappointing.”
Cardiff Blues must now re-group before a Judgement Day clash with Ospreys and for John the task of facing the top region in Wales should be a huge motivation for his players.
“There is no bigger game than that – they are the top region in Wales and there are a lot of personal battles in there,” he said.
“A lot of boys will be trying to prove a point with the battle for World Cup places. It’s a huge game. We have got to dust ourselves off and prepare to face a very good Ospreys side.”
Meanwhile, John praised the second half performance of Garyn Smith as the Academy product shone adding: “Garyn Smith has earned his opportunity to play. He has had a good Under-20s campaign with Wales and he has played really well for Pontypridd.
“He was excellent second half; he really found his feet in the game so I’m pleased for him.
“We have got to look at next year a little bit in terms of selection now, but we also have to select the strongest teams we can for two big local derbies in our next two games.”