Danny Wilson is pleased with the victory over east-Wales neighbours Newport Gwent Dragons on Saturday, despite a scrappy affair at Caerphilly.
Tries by Matthew Morgan and Willis Halaholo, alongside 16 points from the boot of Gareth Anscombe, helped Cardiff Blues to a 26-24 victory in the final game of the Guinness PRO12 campaign.
The win seals seventh spot for Wilson’s side, who will go on to face Stade Francais in the European qualification play-off.
Despite the victory, Wilson believes his side must step up for the trip to France and try to inject more pace into their play.
“To come here and get a win was the objective, and we came here and got the win.” said Wilson.
“It’s job done, to come to Caerphilly, which is a tough and perhaps different venue, against a gritty Dragons team, who I thought came flying out of the blocks in the first 10-15 minutes.
“It was maybe done differently to how we’ve played recently. We didn’t get the pace into the game that we wanted, especially in the second half, but we had a dominant scrum and a mature performance in terms of taking points.
“We got the win, but I think we’ll all agree it’s not the most exciting derby we’ve witnessed.
“The game didn’t get going. It became a bit of a scrum fest at times, which we played to at times because you play to your advantages when you’ve got them, as sides have done against us recently in that area.
“We’re going to face a huge pack of forwards in France and a huge set piece and a very powerful team.
“We need to get the pace into games, as we’ve shown at times this year, but maybe not been able to do too consistently.”
Wilson also paid a tribute to two young Cardiff Blues props, Keiron Assiratti and Corey Domachowski, for a dominant display in the set-piece during Saturday's victory.
“It’s huge credit to two very young props, one of them coming off the bench. Keiron Assiratti and Corey Domachowski scrummaged very well for their age and Fa’ao again for 50 minutes was rock solid and it’s great to be able to bring these young boys through.
“A mention to Cuthbert is worthwhile, the way he’s been playing consistently week-in week-out, and his attitude has been great and pleasing to see.
“It was also nice to see Tom James back on the field, as it’s been a while. To get the win and get those type of people involved was pleasing for us.”