Full back Jacob Beetham was happy with the team’s performance against a strong Connacht side, believing it was a step up from the one put in at Perpignan the previous week.

The Blue and Blacks fell to a 19-28 defeat at the Arms Park, but Beetham felt Cardiff were still in with a chance of winning deep into the game, despite the strength of the visitors.

“First half we felt really good, but didn’t quite see it off at the end,” said Beetham. “Obviously, we got that extra try and then we couldn’t quite bring it back, but overall we were happy with how we played.

“I think it was an improvement from Perpignan with how he played. There’s obviously always going to be improvements to make, but I think in the end, it’s just gutting to lose that in the end.

“There’s always points in the game where it kind of changes. They always seem to be slightly ahead, but I did think, 65 minutes in, we still had a good chance of winning.

“We couldn’t quite get that try and maybe a penalty or something like that, but they had a really strong squad, to be fair. We said before the game though, it’s kind of what you want anyway.

“You want them or whatever team you’re playing to come with their best team, because you want to beat the best teams out there.

“Their squad was pretty stacked with some really good players, Bundee being one of them, but I thought we did really well. Obviously, we didn’t get the win, but with the team they had, we did well.

It’s been a frustrating couple of seasons for Beetham, whose playing time has been limited over the past couple of due to injury, and he was pleased to come through the 80 minutes unscathed.

“It’s been tough I guess because I got injured again in the summer and I’ve had my fair share of it for the last two or three years,” added Beetham.

“I was saying to some of the boys at the end, it was just really nice to get through an 80 and come out of it alright.

“I was just really happy to get back on the pitch, especially playing at the Arms Park as well. I couldn’t have asked for a better day for it weather-wise and stuff.

“I was just really happy to get 80 under my belt and come out of it alright.”