Danny Wilson has paid tribute to Cardiff Blues' spirit and determination after they fought all the way against Glasgow Warriors despite an early red card to Taufa'ao Filise.
The 40-year-old tight-head, who was making his 249th appearance for the region, was dismissed for making contact with the head of George Turner in the 29th minute.
Despite the numerical deficit, the Blues remained in the contest, even when reduced to 13, and took the lead once again on 55 minutes.
They remained just a score apart from Glasgow until 67 minutes when Samu Vunisa secured the Warriors’ bonus-point and ran out of steam in the dying minutes.
Wilson said: “Obviously the red card was a game changing moment. We were in the lead at that point and the effort and commitment the boys showed to get back in the lead on 55 showed a huge effort.
“The score line at the end was one we won’t be happy with, we didn’t exit particularly well under pressure and two late tries probably flattered the score line a little bit.
“The key moment was obviously the red card and the yellow card that followed it, which put us down to 13-men but the effort, the commitment from this group of players, away from home was superb and I’m very proud of that.
“I’ve seen Cardiff Blues teams in the past, who in that situation would have collapsed a lot earlier but we showed huge commitment and passion to stay in the fight and unfortunately they scored two late tries to flatter the score line.
“The directives would suggest a should to the head is a dangerous tackle and the guy went off with a head injury so I understand that but I do think it’s a harsh red.
“Macauley Cook who made the initial tackle bumped the player into Fa’ao’s path and Fa’ao had no time to change his commitment or line to the tackle… he did try to wrap his arm.
“Was it a yellow card versus a red is a debate we will have but it’s a difficult one for Nigel (Owens) because the directives are pretty strict.”
The Blues now turn attention to the European Challenge Cup where they sit top of Pool Two with two wins from two.
Back-to-back clashes with Sale Sharks are next and Wilson insists they can take plenty of positives into the Festive double.
He added: “We can build on that platform of effort. We have had a good run of results, six of the last eight in the league and Europe.
“We go back into Europe next week and if our effort and commitment is to that level week in, week out then we will pick up more wins than losses.
“Sale are a very good side, away from home first will be tough and then back to our place. We’re a bit battered and bruised after tonight, there are more injuries to add to an ever-growing injury list but it provides opportunities to other players and they have to take them.”