CLASSY CARDIFF ON FIRE AGAINST RACING

CORNIEL van Zyl was delighted with Cardiff's statement victory over Racing 92.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby correspondent [e-mail]

Rory Thornton crosses for one of Cardiff's tries

(Picture: Huw Evans Agency)

The home side bounced back from a bumpy festive season which saw defeats to the Scarlets and Ospreys to run out impressive winners over the French powerhouses.

“I'm very happy,” said van Zyl.

“After the derbies it just felt like we were a little bit cramped in with a little bit of pressure, whereas tonight it just felt like the boys went out to play and enjoyed it.

“We focused on the stuff that made us play well at the beginning of the season.

“That's easier to do against a French team you don’t really know. So we focused on what we do and tried to put it on the field.”

Cardiff produced one of their finest European performances in recent years as they swept aside the French giants at the Arms Park.