Josh Navidi insists Cardiff must build on the positives of Saracens and finish the season on a high in the United Rugby Championship.
The Blue and Blacks bowed out Europe but put up an unrelenting resistance as the English heavyweights secured their place in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals with a 40-33 victory at the Stonex Stadium.
It was a vastly improved performance from the recent derby defeats to the Scarlets and Dai Young’s men could easily have snatched a victory against the odds.
While frustrated to lose, Navidi was pleased with the effort and determination of his side and he believes that must be the minimum pre-requisite for the remainder of the season.
He said: “We spoke about a reaction but it was also concentrating on ourselves and we could come here in a different competition, knockout rugby, and do a job.
“We came close, we’re obviously disappointed and can’t fault the boys’ work ethic today. We were working hard and we just need to take this forward for the rest of the season.
“We always know what we’re capable of and its just having that 80 minute performance. We delivered it at times but obviously Saracens scored those late tries and we were on the back foot and chasing the game.
“I thought maybe we might nick it at the end and we’re disappointed but you can’t fault the boys’ attitude. We have to take that forward and keep building week-on-week.”
It was just the fourth appearance of the season for Navidi, who missed the derby defeats due to a groin niggle and then illness, but he is targeting a big end to the season, beginning with the Ospreys at the Arms Park next Saturday and he is hoping for a big turnout.
He added: “It’s been hard. I had Covid last week so I was just getting my lungs back but it’s nice o be back out there and I just want a run of games in the blue jersey. I always enjoy my rugby here and hopefully we can get the wins we want moving forward.
“We will put this game to bed, review it and see where we can do better but we know what derby weeks bring. We know the attitude the boys need to bring, the same as this week, and we will focus on ourselves and make sure we build on this performance.
“It’s always massive playing at the Arms Park and having the crowd there is huge for us. That crowd is massive for us at home, especially in derbies, they bring that extra edge for us so hopefully we’ll have all our supporters there and they will be cheering us on.”
Tickets for Cardiff Rugby versus Ospreys on Saturday, April 23, in the United Rugby Championship are available now by clicking here.