Forwards coach Corniel van Zyl conceded that first half pressure from Leinster took its toll on Cardiff as the game progressed.

The Blue and Blacks led 7-12 in the closing stages of the opening half, but were under consistent pressure from the home side and to defend courageously.

Leinster eventually broke down the Cardiff defence in added time and took a slender lead into the break, before pulling away after the restart.

“I thought we didn’t manage that first-off so well, so obviously they put a lot of pressure on us,” said van Zyl.

“We had to defend a lot, and when we had the chance to exit, we couldn’t do it, and from there it’s knock on effect in the back end of the game.

“The one just before halftime was a tough one to take because we had possession and we know how good they are close to the line, and then they get the try which was a bit of a blow.

“We re-gathered the halftime again and then ultimately just that pressure caught up with us.”

Cardiff scored four tries in the game, through a brace from Harri Millard scored a brace, and tried from Thomas Young and Ellis Bevan to secure a try bonus point.

van Zyl acknowledged that it was a positive to take away from Dublin into the next game.

“I thought we fought back nicely, and I think we’re one of the first teams that has scored four tries against them, so that’s a clear positive to take out,” added van Zyl.

“It’s the small margins, like not leaking a try to first half could have given us two points, but it’s all about just building up for the next game, which is in a few weeks, and we’ll try to look forward to that.”