Steve Shingler was relieved to boot Cardiff Blues to victory over Section Paloise with a 17-point haul at Stade du Hameau
The 25-year-old kept his cool as he slotted a late penalty to maintain his 100 per cent strike-rate and steal a hard fought victory in the European Challenge Cup.
Pau had led for the majority of the encounter but the Blues fought back in the second-half with Willis Halaholo claiming his fourth try of the season and Shingler edging his side in front.
Pau came back again as they claimed a third try with just over 10 minutes remaining but Shingler was confident the opportunity would come providing his side held onto the ball.
He said: “We weren’t too worried; it was just about holding onto the ball. We felt comfortable with the ball.
“I was more nervous because it was quite close and I just had to get through the ball. When it went over it was a bit of a relief and from the restart we had a good exit and got back out of our half. We saw it out and got the job done.
“You practise for these days and when the team goes well and puts pressure on Pau in the twenty-two, you want to reward your team.
“We’re really happy with the win, it would have been a long trip home otherwise!”
Wales’ Capital Region go into the final round of fixtures trailing Bath by one point in Pool Four.
A victory over Bristol, at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, on Saturday should see the Blues qualify for the knockout stages – as group winners should Bath lose or as one of the top runners-up.
Shingler is already counting down the days for the final clash against Bristol, whom the Blues beat 33-20 in October, and he is determined to remain in the hunt for silverware.
He added: “We will rest up for Bristol now, it’s a huge week for the club and we will be all guns blazing for that.
“You play for these opportunities, to get into a quarter-final and play a knockout game is great. We want to be a big club and big clubs play for silverware at the end of the season.”
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