John Mulvihill was pleased with the way Cardiff Blues fought back in Pau and remains confident his side can qualify for the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
The Blues trailed 24-7 at half-time following a frustrating, error strewn first half at Stade du Hameau despite Owen Lane’s early try.
They appeared down and out when Pau scored a fifth try after the break to make it 31-7 but launched a stunning fight-back with three quick-fire tries of their own, including a brace from Lane to complete his hat-trick
With five minutes remaining they were pushing for victory before Pau went up field and slotted a penalty to make it safe but the Blues salvaged a losing bonus-point at the death to make it a two-point haul and seven points from a possible 10 against the French giants.
Mulvihill said: “Pau certainly won the first half and played some really good rugby. They didn’t allow us out, but in the second half I thought we were close to faultless. A few little errors have ultimately cost us, but to give a team as good as Pau such a head start is something you can’t do. We came out in the second half and basically blew them away.
“We didn’t get into our attacking shape in the first half and our biggest thing was discipline and territory. We were only at the right end 38 per cent of the time and we didn’t play much rugby.
“We got caught up in a bit of a mauling game against a massive pack and turned over a bit of ball but we will learn from that. We needed to keep the ball alive and play of the top and with tempo.
“Now we need to have a really good win against Calvisano and then go away and get something at Leicester in January. That is one of the games we’re really looking forward to. Hopefully we will go into it full strength and we will see what comes of it.”
Cardiff Blues now switch attention to the Guinness PRO14 with three consecutive Welsh derbies over the festive season. They host the Dragons on December 24 , and Scarlets on January 3 with tickets available for both matches now. To book yours click here.