Blaine Scully has emphasised his gratitude to the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park crowd following a derby defeat to the Scarlets.
More than 9,000 supporters packed into the iconic ground as the Blues slipped to a disappointing 26-15 defeat.
Scully, who scored one of his side’s two tries, cut a frustrated figure post-match but was eager to salute the vociferous home crowd.
The USA Rugby captain said: “Wales is a fantastic country. Cardiff Arms Park is one of the greatest places to play in the entire world.
“It’s a really historic ground, the Blues fans are world class and I really appreciate the support I’m getting.”
Danny Wilson’s side made a sluggish start at found themselves trailing 14-0 after just 10 minutes.
Despite tries from Tom James and Scully, the Blues were ultimately chasing the game and left themselves too much to do.
Scully’s try was a particular highlight on an otherwise disappointing evening, with the wing collecting Jarrod Evans’ long pass and diving spectacularly into the corner.
He said: “It’s always a good feeling to do my job. It was a good pass over the top from Jarrod, I would have liked to have done it in a win but I was happy to do my job and hopefully next time it is in a win.
“I was just trying to get down in the corner any way I could – I thought that was the best way to get there!
“It was one of those situations where you just have to put your head down and finish the job anyway you can.
“It was a tough start and any time you go down by 14-0 it becomes hard to dig your way back into the game.
“We showed some good character but it’s hard to give a good team like the Scarlets 14 points and come back from it. It’s not ideal but that’s rugby and it’s now about our ability to move onto the next most important thing.”