Cardiff slipped to sixth in the table after a 21-15 defeat to the Sharks, but Ioan Lloyd’s late penalty ensured they returned from South Africa with something to show for their efforts.
With just four rounds remaining, Sheedy insists that single point could carry significant weight—particularly given last season’s near miss.
“It hurts that we lost because we are competitive professionals,” said the Cardiff outside-half.
“The feeling in the dressing room immediately after the game was disappointment that we didn’t come away with a four or five-point set.
“But I think in the bigger picture it’s going to be a good point in the long run.
“We’ve seen how close the table gets at the end of the season. Last year, we missed out by a point, so every point is definitely crucial.
“We’ve got a big finish to the season coming up now.”
READ MORE: Cardiff Boss Corniel van Zyl Admits Bulls Trampling Leaves no Room for Error
Cardiff had made a strong start at Kings Park, with wing Mason Grady crossing twice to give the visitors the upper hand after half an hour.
But a brace from Sharks flanker Phepsi Buthelezi swung momentum before the break, helping the hosts into a 21-12 half-time lead.
Despite sustained pressure and a determined defensive effort after the interval, Cardiff were unable to add a try, with Lloyd’s late penalty the only reward for their second-half resilience.
Sheedy praised the character shown by his side, particularly in defence.
READ MORE: Richard Collier-Keywood to Quit as Chair as WRU Try to Defuse Rebel Clubs
“Some of our defensive sets, especially in the second half, were massive.
“To hold a team like the Sharks - with their physical runners - for 12, 13 phases really shows the culture we have in the squad
“If we had been a little bit more clinical in the 22 towards the end, we could have got the win. Little moments, little inaccuracies probably cost us.
“But I’m really proud of the boys, really proud of the performance.”
The narrow defeat followed a heavy 40-7 loss to the Bulls in Pretoria, but Cardiff’s ability to take something from their second match on tour was seen as a step forward.
Head coach Corniel van Zyl echoed that sentiment.
“You could see the boys gave it their all and the fight was great. It was close at the end, but we just came up short, so still lots to work on,” said van Zyl.
“Last season, when we toured South Africa, we didn’t get a point, but this year we have one point, so that’s definitely the positive.”
For Sheedy, the South African tour remains a highlight despite the mixed results.
He added: “It’s amazing. Last year was actually my first time here and I think it was probably my favourite rugby trip of my life. I absolutely loved it.
“It really is a rugby mad country. Everyone has got the Springbok jersey on and the fans absolutely love it. It’s class to be fair.”
As the play-off race tightens, Cardiff’s fate could hinge on the finest of margins—and if Sheedy is right, the single point earned in Durban may yet make all the difference.
