John Mulvihill has lamented Cardiff Blues performance in Galway as Connacht inflicted a 29-0 defeat on the Welsh region.
The Blues had been hoping to strengthen their Guinness PRO14 chances in the clash against their Conference B rivals but Connacht dominated throughout.
Andy Friend’s side controlled territory and possession at the Sportsground and kept Cardiff Blues, who paid the price for errors, scoreless on a disappointing evening.
Mulvihill conceded there were few positives to take from the loss but has called on the Blues to draw a line under the defeat and ensure they bounce back with a victory over Benetton Rugby next Sunday.
Mulvihill said: “There aren’t too many positives to take from that. Discipline, the four penalties was the lowest we have given away in two seasons, our scrum was very good, our presence over the ball and our scramble defence kept us in the game but attack-wise, skill-wise we were poor.
“We never gave ourselves a chance and are very disappointed. I feel sorry for some of the boys because they left everything out there and some of the other things that happened around them was pretty embarrassing.
“Connacht were very clinical in what they did. Defensively we didn’t put them under any pressure. The conditions were tough out there but it’s just skill and execution. It’s all the more disappointing because they spend a hell of a lot of time in preparation.
“The boys have taken it pretty hard and we will have some self reflection in the next few days and get back to work next week and look forward to Benetton next Sunday at home.”
The defeat puts a dent in Cardiff Blues hopes of reaching the play-offs, with Connacht now pulling six points clear in fourth place.
However, Mulvihill believes there is still plenty of time to secure a spot in the knockout stages providing his side secure crucial victories against their Conference B rivals, beginning next week against Benetton.
He added: “I’m not too concerned about that because we get them back at home as well and need to turn the tables on them. To make finals both teams need to start winning and go on a run or three four wins in a row. I’m sure they will be hoping for that and we need to turn it around and start next week against Benetton.”