Cardiff Blues backs coach Gareth Baber praised his side's focus as they took a big step towards Heineken Cup quarter-final qualification.
Exiles coach Booth phlegmatic in defeat
Cardiff Blues backs coach Gareth Baber praised his side's focus as they took a big step towards Heineken Cup quarter-final qualification with a 22-15 victory at London Irish.
Having seen fellow Pool Two pace-setters Edinburgh win away to Racing Metro yesterday, the Welsh side responded in the perfect manner at the Madejski Stadium.
"The game last night did focus the mind somewhat," he said. "You can't avoid it but our whole focus this week has been making sure we control what we are doing irrespective what is happening outside of our environment.
"That extended to last night and what happened in Paris so we're pleased that we kept that focus.
"We certainly kept it through the game today and came away with the victory."
Cardiff face Racing Metro in the final Pool Two match next weekend as they look to reach the knock-out stages for the first time since the 2008-09 season.
The Blues are well placed after this result, which saw them complete the double against the Exiles. "It's never easy against them," Baber added.
"When we played them at home even though they were down to 14 men they pressurised us and created a game that tested us defensively.
"There were stages in the game today when they did exactly the same, but I thought we controlled the field when we needed to today.
"There was a bit of brilliance in the second half from Casey Laulala, which was finished off by Sam Warburton and you saw a good team performance in managing the game and getting the victory, not least down to Leigh Halfpenny and his kicking."
While the Blues can reach the knock-out stages, the result ended London Irish's slim hopes of progress from the pool.
Competitive
Exiles head coach Toby Booth commented: "It was a competitive match and that has been the story of this whole pool.
"We're obviously disappointed to be on the wrong side of a result but there was a key moment in the game that they scored the try from.
"It proved decisive and Cardiff defended very well. I thought we defended very well too.
"It was a tight, tight game and that has probably been the story of the Heineken Cup in this group.
"I am not disappointed with the effort, although I am obviously disappointed with the outcome.
"On reflection, we have been in every contest and have a new group of players with little Heineken Cup experience.
"They will be better for this experience, although that does not hide the disappointment of where we are now."
