Cardiff dumped out of Champions Cup as ruthless Racing 92 run in seven tries

Cardiff got dumped out of the Investec Champions Cup by a powerful and ruthless Racing 92 outfit who ran in seven tries in Paris to claim a 48-26 victory.

Matt Sherratt's side caused their star-studded hosts problems with ball in hand but could not cope with the raw power and the intensity of the Top 14 leaders. The gulf in playing budgets and all-round resources between the French giants and the Welsh club was stark.

It is a credit to Cardiff that they made such a fist of it against one of the wealthiest clubs in world rugby but the visitors did not have the power nor the depth to come close. There were some positives with Wales U20s hooker Efan Daniel showing real promise while Rhys Carre had a fine game.

But their European campaign ended in Paris despite scoring four tries to claim the consolation of a losing bonus point.

Racing seized the initiative in the opening 10 minutes with their big carriers getting over the gain-line quite comfortably. Springboks captain Siya Kolisi looked as if he was through for the opening try but the hosts got pinged for crossing, and had to make do with three points from the boot of Nolann Le Garrec.

But Cardiff responded very well with their own period of sustained pressure. The Blue & Blacks won a foothold in the Racing 92 with some powerful carries from Wales call-up Mackenzie Martin and second-row Teddy Williams before Carre powered over from short-range for a try which Tinus de Beer converted.

But Racing's power began to make some dents in the Cardiff defence and after forming a maul hooker Camille Chat crossed the visiting try line. However, the try was disallowed after the television match official spotted obstruction at the proceeding maul.

But Racing didn't have to wait long for