Cardiff coach Dai Young believes his side made a big statement with their 31-21 victory over Parisian giants Stade Francais.

The win is arguably the biggest in the Blues' short history as a regional side, and they even robbed the visitors of a losing bonus point thanks to an injury-time drop-goal by cool young fly-half Dai Flanagan.

Jamie Robinson, Tom James and Paul Tito crossed for the Blues' tries, with Flanagan booting 16 points.

Julien Arias and Antoine Burban replied with scores for the visitors.

"It has underlined the progress we have made," said delighted coach Young.

"We're not the finished article, but we are going in the right direction and we have shown we are competitive with the biggest teams around.

"We have had lean years in Europe, not because we have underachieved as a team, but because we haven't been good enough.

"But we have come a long way, and although we are not in the quarter-finals, we are in a position to challenge."

Young believes Flanagan's late kick could yet be crucial, adding: "That might have a tremendous bearing on the outcome of the group.

"The last five minutes were nail-biting. One mistake and we know they have got the talent to punish us.

"Still we decided not to go all out for a bonus point ourselves, but to try to rob them of theirs."

Flanagan was happy with his effort.

"It was quite a nice strike, but with a drop-goal it does not matter if it just wobbles over," said the 21 year old, who won the cup for Pontypridd with a similar injury-time score two seasons ago.

"It is easy to play at 10 with that pack in front of you and so many experienced players in key positions.

"Other people said they were worried about my appearance in such a big game, but I have every confidence in my own ability. I just hope I have done enough to keep my place in the team."

More news from SportingLife.com