Connacht, one of Cardiff's main rivals for that spot, were therefore able to extend their lead over the Welsh region to six points but the hosts performed heroics to stay in the fight after the 14th minute sending off.
Aided by the miserable conditions and a poor performance from Connacht, it was not until the final quarter that the impetus provided by the Irish replacements got them over the line.
Cardiff, roared on by a capacity crowd, were indebted to hugely committed performances from Thomas Young, Rhys Carre and Lopeti Timani while young replacement Mackenzie Martin showed why he is such a fine prospect.
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