Welsh rugby’s winners and losers as Jones masterminds epic win and duo lift title

There was only one Welsh club in action this weekend

Only one Welsh club was in action this weekend, and it ended in disappointment as the Stormers halted Cardiff’s United Rugby Championship campaign in the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, however, there was plenty to cheer. A number of Welsh players and coaches made their mark in the Gallagher Premiership, producing performances that underlined their quality and influence.

Here are the weekend’s winners and losers.

Winners

Stephen Jones

The former Wales outside-half has endured a tough time as Newcastle Red Bulls head coach this season but Saturday’s remarkable 45-42 comeback victory over Sale Sharks is one to savour.

Despite the Red Bull takeover, any significant improvement on the pitch is unlikely to be evident until next season, once the club has benefited from a full recruitment cycle.

Jones has done an admirable job as interim head coach and deserves all the plaudits after beating Sale.

Newcastle trailed 35-10 at the interval and 42-24 after 66 minutes before launching a sensational comeback.

Alex Hearle’s winning try was a thing of beauty with the move starting inside his own 22.

Win free tickets to watch Fiji v Wales in Cardiff this summer.

Jones was Wales’ attack coach under Wayne Pivac and was not kept on following the New Zealanders departure.

There are many within the game who believe this was a mistake by the Welsh Rugby Union.

Welsh rugby’s loss is Newcastle’s gain.

Nick Tompkins and Rhys Carré

Wales star Carré was impressive yet again as Sarances kept their Gallagher Prem play-off chances alive with a 26-12 victory over Harlequins.

Carré was part of a Saracens scrum which had Harlequins on roller skates at times, while he carried extremely well making significant post contact metres.

Wales centre Tompkins also impressed, proving a handful for the Harlequins defence with ball in hand while he also claimed a try for his side.

Saracens will face Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park next Saturday with the winner qualifying for the semi-finals.

Cardiff backrow

It was a tough day at the office for Cardiff who suffered a 44-21 defeat to the Stormers in the quarter-finals of the URC.

Cardiff fought valiantly but the power of the Stormers pack, in particular their scrum, proved too much for the Welsh club to cope with.

But nevertheless there were a handful of standout performers for the Welsh club.

The backrow in particular impressed with Dan Thomas continuing his fine form with an all-action display.

Wales squad member James Botham was also excellent, claiming a second-half try, while Taine Basham also got his name on the scoresheet with a powerful burst over the line.

Lloyd Williams and Will Reed

Former Wales scrum-half Williams played his final game of professional rugby on the weekend and what a way to bow out of the game.

Williams started at scrum-half and played a pivotal role as Worcester Warriors beat Bedford Blues 27-14 in the final of the English Championship.

The 36-year-old enjoyed a distinguished career, earning 32 caps for Wales. He will perhaps be best remembered for his unexpected role on the wing against England at Twickenham during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, when his perfectly weighted cross-field kick created the opportunity for Gareth Davies’ iconic try in a famous Welsh victory.

Former Dragons outside-half Will Reed also enjoyed a fine game for Worcester, getting himself on the scoresheet with a try in the 40th minute.

Losers

Cardiff front-row

The Cardiff front-row got given a torrid time at the scrum and they simply could not live with the Stormers in this department.

It was a bad day at the office for tighthead prop Keiron Assiratti in particular. The Wales international conceded four penalties in succession at the scrum which resulted in a yellow card.

As they say in French rugby: no scrum, no win.

Mike Rayer

The former Cardiff and Wales full-back has enjoyed a successful coaching career with Bedford Blues, transforming the club into one of the Championship’s most competitive outfits. But Sunday’s 27-14 defeat to Worcester Warriors in the Championship play-off final will have been a bitter disappointment.

Worcester proved a class apart on the day, boasting too much power and attacking quality for Bedford to contain. Despite a spirited effort, the Blues struggled to match the visitors’ intensity and were ultimately left chasing the game.