The Welsh region were pipped 36-33 in injury time, but Young was proud of the way his charges played against the English champions at Cardiff Arms Park last Friday night and pledged to maintain their free-flowing style next weekend.

“There were a lot of positives, but the real pleasing factor was that we were unrecognisable from the team that played last week,” Young told the club website.

“The challenge all week had been to improve in all areas, individually and collectively. We did that, playing some great stuff and scoring some great tries.

“We left a few opportunities out there as well, but 19 minutes and two scores in front, you’d like to think you can close those games out.

“[But] if you watch Quins on a regular basis, that’s a regular day at the office for them. They’re never beaten until the final whistle and I never felt comfortable.

“It was a good game of rugby, but I’m disappointed we lost. We can certainly be proud of the huge improvements we’ve made in one week, [though].”

Young acknowledged that his side face a tough task against the defending European champions, but he promised that they would continue to attack.

“We’re up against it and we know that, but when you play two champions, you know you need something special to advance,” he said.

“But we need to go there and we need to enjoy playing rugby. We won’t chuck caution to the wind, but we certainly want to play and take the game to them.

“Toulouse are another team that like to play rugby that way, so it could be another high-scoring game.”

Cardiff Rugby director of rugby Dai Young forecast another high-scoring game against Stade Toulousain next Saturday in their final Heineken Champions Cup Pool B game of the season, after being involved in a 10-try thriller with Harlequins in Round 3.