The Welsh side were agonisingly close to reaching the Challenge Cup quarter-finals for the third year in a row
Luke Morgan was superb against Ulster(Image: Ben McShane/Huw Evans Agency)
The Ospreys’ European hopes were extinguished in heart-breaking fashion, after a late winning score in Belfast was chalked off.
Kieran Hardy looked to have won their Challenge Cup last 16 clash against Ulster late on, only for the TMO to pull it back for a forward pass.
Here’s how the players rated…
15. Jack Walsh – 5
Not called on to do a great amount, but one vital tackle on Jacob Stockdale just as the Ireland wing was charging into the Ospreys’ 22.
However, he then went too high on the same man in the second-half, allowing Stockdale to score.
14. Dan Kasende – 6
The ‘Postman’ was in the right place at the right time to deliver the Ospreys’ second try.
13. Owen Watkin – 7
Defensively sound, made his tackles. Picked up a knock early in the second-half. Lovely break to set up Hardy, although whether his pass was forward will depend on who you ask.
12. Keiran Williams – 7
Usual mix of powerful carries and tackles from the centre. Lively to the end.
11. Luke Morgan – 8
Beat more defenders than anyone, including skinning Stockdale at one point. Carried with intent and was deserving of a try, even if it ended up being a penalty try after Jack Murphy’s high tackle denied him.
10. Dan Edwards – 7
Put the first kick-off dead, but recovered well. Even with the winds, he rolled the dice going for touch and was rewarded for it. Deft hands for the penalty try.
9. Reuben Morgan-Williams – 8
Nearly found some gaps before his early try. Another gap spotted by the scrum-half led him to set up Kasende for the second.
1. Gareth Thomas – 7
Got the better of Tom O’Toole early on in the scrum. Strong around the park, too.
2. Sam Parry – 7
Got some big hits in. Lineout had a few wobbles, but was solid enough in difficult conditions. Nearly forced his way over single-handedly after the maul disintegrated around him early in the second-half.
3. Rhys Henry – 6
Solid enough from the prop. Gave away a few penalties.
4. Rhys Davies – 7
High tackle count from the tough-as-teak second-row, while he carried well.
5. Ryan Smith – 8
Nice work to get through Ulster’s maul in the first-half. Been a big signing for the Ospreys this season.
6. Huw Sutton – 6
Some dominant hits in a decent defensive showing.
7. Jac Morgan- 7
The Wales captain was his usual busy self, with one particularly brilliant piece of play to hold up Nick Timoney over the line.
Led the tackle count. Yellow card was an unfortunate blot on his copybook.
8. Morgan Morris – 7
As always, the No. 8 carried relentlessly. Worked tirelessly to the end.
Replacements:
16. Efan Daniel – 6
Solid effort off the bench.
17. Steffan Thomas – 6
Decent enough showing from the prop.
18. Tom Botha – 6
Held up the scrum well when he came on.
19. James Fender – 5
Knock-on in the dying stages punished Ospreys for playing too long in their own half.
20. Harri Deaves – 7
Lively when he came on.
21. Kieran Hardy – 8
Brought energy and made one lovely outside break. Big hand in the penalty try. Thought he had won it at the death.
22. Evardi Boshoff – 5
Little chance to make an impact.
23. Iestyn Hopkins – 7
Got involved and brought good distribution skills. Added to the Ospreys attack.
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