Redpath: Delighted with win

Gloucester were much the stronger side on paper and this was reflected on the field at Kingsholm on Saturday.

Redpath said: "We are chuffed with the result.

"We had 12 changes from last week's starting line-up against Toulouse. There was an element of mix and match and we didn't get the balance right in the first half but all credit to the Blues for battling hard with a much under strength side."

Gloucester led 21-3 at the interval but were prevented from adding to that score in the third quarter before two splendid individual tries from James Simpson-Daniel emphasised the home side's superiority.

On Simpson-Daniel's performance, Redpath said: "Since the announcement of the England squad Sinbad (Simpson-Daniel) has got better.

"He is strong and compact and if ever England needed a man on form he will always be there for them."

During the game Gloucester lost England squad member Henry Trinder and number eight Brett Deacon through injuries.

Redpath said: "Henry had a kick on his ankle but will be back with England tomorrow whilst Brett has damaged some ribs but both should be okay"

For Cardiff, this was their third consecutive defeat in the competition which has so far failed to see them pick up a single point.

Coach Justin Burnell said: "Gloucester had an Aviva Premiership first XV out today. We didn't go out to lose but it was very difficult against such a strong side.

"The competition is important to us as it is a huge opportunity for some of our players to step up.

"Apart from Ben Blair we had a squad today made up of all Welsh players and you won't see the benefit of these players until 18 months time."

Cardiff now face Harlequins in the final group match next Sunday and Burnell said: "There will be a different XV next week as we have to prepare for the two home league games against Connacht and Ulster."

One of the plusses for Cardiff was the successful return of Blair after a 15 month injury lay-off.

And he said: "I thought a few times my career was over but I felt really good out there.

"My aim is to get back into the starting line-up but today it was very difficult as their scrum and lineout was very strong and we had no ball at all in the second half."