Welsh rugby’s winners and losers as Ospreys keep up fight and star sends reminder

The URC returned for one weekend at the midway point of the Six Nations – with the Welsh clubs putting in decent performances

With just one fallow weekend in this year’s Six Nations, the wait for United Rugby Championship action has been that little bit longer.

But for Welsh supporters, it was certainly worth it.

Cardiff and Ospreys overcame Irish opposition, beating Leinster and Ulster respectively, while the Dragons fought back to draw with Benetton.

The Scarlets were narrowly beaten by Edinburgh, leaving Scotland with a losing bonus point.

Here are the winners and losers…

Winners

Aled Davies

There were many standouts in Cardiff’s win over Leinster – with the Blue and Blacks ending the Irish province’s 11-match winning run to boost their own play-off hopes.

Their pack was a nuisance at the breakdown while remaining on the right side of the referee, while Jacob Beetham and Cameron Winnett ruled the skies.

Harri Millard was assured in defence – nullifying Rieko Ioane and Robbie Henshaw with his reads.

But, in horrendous conditions, Aled Davies controlled things with his box-kicking perfectly. The odd pass was a little wild, but he was very good throughout.

He eventually got his reward, crossing for his first try for the club – with the score ultimately proving to be the winning one.

Ospreys

Obviously, it is an immensely difficult time for the Ospreys right now.

Off the field, there is uncertainty about their future. It’s a desperately sad and frustrating environment to be working in.

Yet, on the pitch, they are continuing to find results to keep their play-off dreams alive.

The win over Ulster in Bridgend on Saturday night made it five matches unbeaten in the league for Mark Jones’ men.

James Ratti was to the fore, while the likes of Ross Moriarty and Ryan Smith enjoyed big games.

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Joe Roberts

The Scarlets ultimately fell short up in Scotland, but for a while, a victory on the road looked on the cards.

Wales centre Roberts gave them hope, crossing for tries in both halves.

This time last year, Roberts was becoming a part of Wales’ matchday squad under interim head coach Matt Sherratt.

He’s not involved in the Six Nations squad this year, but more performances like Friday night could change that.

Dragons youngsters

In the latter stages of the Dragons’ match against Benetton, as they fought their way back, the ages of the Dragons’ pack at that stage was quite telling.

Their replacement props – Jordan Morris and Owain James – were 22 and 20 respectively.

Then, in the back-row, you had Ryan Woodman, Harry Beddall and Evan Minto. Twenty-two, 21 and 20.

They all played their part in a gritty performance.

Extra credit for the uncapped Woodman – who was called up by Wales on Sunday.

Losers

Dragons’ discipline

As spirited as their performance was, the Dragons didn’t always make life easy for themselves.

Having switched off in defence for Onisi Ratave’s first try, the Dragons then lost both Levi Douglas and Fine Inisi to cards.

Second-row Douglas was shown a 20-minute red card for a croc roll, while Inisi was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on.

Traditionalists

In the end, it mattered little.

Cardiff just about held on to their slender one-point lead with three minutes of heart-stopping pick-and-goes against Leinster.

While late tries from Ratti and Daniel Kasende finally got the Ospreys over the line against Ulster.

But there is something to be said for taking the points when they’re on offer earlier in the match.

Sometimes, it’s better to build a lead and let scoreboard pressure do the work.