Cardiff’s interim head coach Corniel van Zyl has made it clear he is keen to do the job on a permanent basis and he is certainly staking a strong claim.
Since stepping into the role when Matt Sherratt left to link up with Wales just days before the start of the season, Van Zyl has guided Cardiff to three wins from their four URC matches, while their one defeat saw them pick up two points from a narrow loss to pace-setting Munster out in Limerick.
Their latest success - a 24-17 bonus point victory over the Dragons at Rodney Parade on Friday night - saw them move top of the table temporarily and they now stand fourth following the completion of Round 4.
So, South African-born former Italy international Van Zyl is understandably upbeat as he reflects on life in the hot seat.
“I am loving it. It’s really a privilege and an honour to represent the club and lead the boys into the games,” he said.
“Winning always helps. That definitely makes it easier.”
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Cardiff racked up four tries, all from forwards, including one from flanker Alex Mann who picked up the Player of the Match award as he produced a timely performance with the Wales squad for the autumn internationals being announced on Tuesday.
There was also a welcome return for fellow back row Taulupe Faletau with the great man making his first appearance of the season after injury.
Giving his thoughts on the game, Van Zyl said: “We are just happy with the result. It’s a derby and you obviously want to get on the better side of it.
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“The boys are happy. There’s a different edge to it with the derbies, a little bit of spice, so to get it over the line we were all chuffed.
“It was a tough one. We ground it out, similar to last week against Connacht, which is pleasing.
“Our attack was probably not the best ever, but credit to the Dragons, they defended really well. They were just there all the time, so we couldn’t find the space.
“We just need to try and get it better and score some tries.”
That’s now 21 league wins in a row for Cardiff over their east Wales rivals - a record stretching back to December 2014.
It leaves the Dragons without a victory in the BKT URC since the opening day of last season.'
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