Man-of-the-match Josh Navidi praised the outstanding spirit and work ethic shown by Cardiff Blues in defeat to Leinster Rugby - but acknowledged positive result were now needed in the league.
Blues had to play for most of the game at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park with 14 men after the first half red card to lock Jarrad Hoeata.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Blues held out for long periods against the reigning champions and took the game to Leinster with some thrilling attacking rugby.
And Number Eight Navidi was at his best as he repeatedly punched holes with his powerful running style and unloaded countless big tackles.
“The result is hugely disappointing but the spirit shown by the boys for that game was absolutely outstanding,” he said.
“We dug in, with only 13 men on the pitch at one point, and I felt we did well considering who we were playing.
“Coming away with a loss like that is frustrating because we were doing well coming up to half-time. We are all disappointed.
“Being down to 13 men is hard going, but the work ethic was outstanding and we can take heart from that and it’s a big positive.
“We’ve now got to move into next week against Rovigo and take the pride of the boys into these coming weeks in Europe.
“Our ambition is to climb the table as high as we can – that hasn’t changed,” he added.
“The confidence is there but we are slipping off a few points and that is costing us. There is still much more we can do out in the pitch.
“We are aware that some games are slipping away and costing us. Hopefully we can now move into the European games and take it forward, build momentum and then come back into the Guinness PRO12 with some big wins.”