With a large contingent of their first team squad unavailable, the hosts fielded a number of debutants and remarkably, Josh Adams’ try, converted by Jason Tovey, gave Cardiff a 7-6 first-half lead in the Pool B opener.

But Toulouse were ultimately too strong, with tries from Anthony Jelonch, Pita Ahki, Antoine Dupont, Arthur Bonneval and Joe Tekori, plus 14 points from Romain Ntamack’s boot sealing their win.

Jenkins said: “I can’t thank the boys who stepped in this week enough. Some of them were training in the morning and then going to school or teaching, so that was a huge spirit shown from the boys.

“On Monday morning, they didn’t know anything. They didn’t know the calls, so I can’t speak highly enough of them.

“We said all week that we were going to try to play some rugby and put on a spectacle and show what talent we have got - and we did that.

“We said we were going to live by the sword and die by the sword. If we were going to play like that, we were going to give them opportunities. They’ve got quality all across the park and they punished us when they had the chance.”

Try-scorer Adams said he was “super proud” of Cardiff’s youngsters and explained how the more experienced players guided the youngsters through the match.

“They were excellent and didn’t look out of place at all,” he said. “It was a great occasion for them to have their friends and family here.

“They are professional rugby players or going to be professional rugby players, so they understand the game pretty well themselves and it’s just giving them confidence. That is a great building block for them now and hopefully that will give them confidence now to kick on.

“We always knew there was going to be a backlash after scoring. Toulouse are a fantastic team and there were going to be moments where we were under the pump.

“When we scored the try, we wanted to make it an occasion and celebrate it. I certainly think we could have scored one or two more and it was a great buzz just to be able to celebrate with all the boys as it’s not often you get those opportunities.”

Cardiff Rugby flanker Ellis Jenkins hailed the efforts of his inexperienced side after their battling 39-7 home defeat to Heineken Champions Cup holders Stade Toulousain on Saturday.