Cardiff coach Dai Young was understandably delighted after the Blues' tremendous 31-21 win over Stade Francais.
Blues chief encouraged by Stade victory
Cardiff coach Dai Young was understandably delighted after the Blues' tremendous 31-21 win over Stade Francais.
The victory moved the Welsh outfit to the top of Pool 3, albeit possibly only for 24 hours, but Young felt it had sent out a real message to the rest of the sides in this year's Heineken Cup.
Jamie Robinson, Tom James and Paul Tito all crossed the whitewash for Cardiff, while Dai Flannagan's injury-time drop-goal ensured Stade left Cardiff Arms Park without a losing bonus point.
"It has underlined the progress we have made," said a triumphant Young.
"We're not the finished article, but we are going in the right direction and we have shown we are competitive with the biggest teams around.
"We have had lean years in Europe, not because we have underachieved as a team, but because we haven't been good enough.
"But we have come a long way, and although we are not in the quarter-finals, we are in a position to challenge."
Important drop-goal
Young insisted Flanagan's late drop-goal could yet have a massive influence on the group, adding: "That might have a tremendous bearing on the outcome of the group.
"The last five minutes were nail-biting. One mistake and we know they have got the talent to punish us.
"Still we decided not to go all out for a bonus point ourselves, but to try to rob them of theirs."
Flanagan, who kicked 16 points in total including three penalties and two conversions, remained modest about his ice-cool drop and paid tribute to a team effort.
"It was quite a nice strike, but with a drop-goal it does not matter if it just wobbles over," said the 21 year old.
"It is easy to play at 10 with that pack in front of you and so many experienced players in key positions.
"Other people said they were worried about my appearance in such a big game, but I have every confidence in my own ability. I just hope I have done enough to keep my place in the team."
