Morgan’s perfect farewell as Ospreys win the derby

Welsh Rugby Weekend Round-Up

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Morgan’s perfect farewell as Ospreys win the derby

Morgan’s perfect farewell as Ospreys win the derby



Rhodri Evans

Jac Morgan scored the match-winning try in his final home game for Ospreys in the West Walian derby against Scarlets, in what proved to be a perfect farewell.

Elsewhere, Dragons suffered a tight defeat to Edinburgh as they too said goodbye to a modern-day great in Aaron Wainwright, while Cardiff’s play-off hopes took a blow in Scotland, with defeat to top side Glasgow.

Let’s get into the action:

Dan Edwards shows why he is Wales’ best fly-half

During the Six Nations, Dan Edwards had moments that reminded you that he is still a player that is finding his feet, especially at international level.

Sam Costelow of Scarlets replaced him for the Scotland match, and showed how just a little extra experience can go a long way at the highest level.

However, his try-scoring performance in Wales’ cathartic victory over Italy in the final round has proven to be a bit of a springboard to the next level for the young 10.

Against Scarlets, in the heat of Wales’ best rivalry, Edwards was supreme, scoring 22 of Ospreys’ 27 points, including two blistering tries.

090526 - Ospreys v Scarlets - United Rugby Championship - Dan Edwards of Ospreys bursts clear win the way to scoring his first try of the match ©Huw Evans Picture Agency
090526 – Ospreys v Scarlets – United Rugby Championship – Dan Edwards of Ospreys bursts clear win the way to scoring his first try of the match ©Huw Evans Picture Agency

The moment, though, belonged to the departing Jac Morgan. As the Ospreys captain muscled his way over to secure the victory for his side, the Brewery Field rose to bid farewell to their departing star.

“It’s a great feeling to get the try and really special to win on my last home game for the Ospreys,” the flanker told S4C afterwards.

“My time here has been great. I’ve loved playing here and I’ve always said this group of boys are special. I’m grateful to everyone at the club, I’ve loved it.

“But I’m not finished yet. We’ve still got Leinster so I’m looking forward to coming back on Monday for another week with them before my last game.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game against Scarlets and in fairness they were very good.

“But I was proud of the boys’ effort throughout the 80 minutes and to dig out the win in the end.”

Cardiff draw into play-off battle with Glasgow defeat

While Ospreys won the Welsh Shield with their victory over Scarlets, Cardiff will end the season as the top ranked Welsh side in the United Rugby Championship, with the potential of a play-off spot.

However, that place is now in jeopardy with a 40-17 defeat in Glasgow in Friday night.

Connacht’s bonus-point victory over Munster makes it the tightest contests between the Lions, Munster, Cardiff, Ulster, and Connacht for the final four spots.

The Welsh side welcome second-placed Stormers to the Cardiff Arms Park on Friday night, knowing that they will most likely need a victory to secure a spot in the latter stages of the URC,

If Cardiff lose then they can still qualify if Ulster or Connacht slip up against Glasgow and Edinburgh.

But full-back Jacob Beetham believes nine wins from 10 games at home this season is the sort of form to help Cardiff wrap up qualification themselves.

“The fact that we’ve only lost one game this year at home will give us massive confidence,” he said.

“We’re going to do everything to fly into it and hopefully get the result. The main thing is getting that top eight this season.”

Cardiff will be without Josh Adams, who limped off with a back spasm, while Steve Tandy has another headache as Tomos Williams suffered a shoulder injury for Gloucester that forced him off after just three minutes.

080526 - Glasgow Warriors v Cardiff Rugby - United Rugby Championship - Josh Adams of Cardiff is helped off the field by medical staff ©Huw Evans Picture Agency
080526 – Glasgow Warriors v Cardiff Rugby – United Rugby Championship – Josh Adams of Cardiff is helped off the field by medical staff ©Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wainwright unable to match Morgan fairytale ending

For the Dragons, departing star Aaron Wainwright was unable to conjure a similar fairytale farewell, as his side fell to a 15-24 defeat to Edinburgh at Rodney Parade.

Dillon Lewis’ and Harri Keddie’s tries were not enough, as the returning Duhan van der Merwe’s brace saw the Scottish side home for a third straight victory.

“It was a special occasion for me tonight being my last home game here. I think going into next year, [there are] plenty of positives for the Dragons,” said the 28-year-old.

“Hopefully they keep the momentum going from what we’ve done this year because we’ve had some real good wins over the course of the season.

“Hopefully they can give the fans more to get behind next year.”

Wainwright ended his time surrounded by Dragons supporters, allowed onto the pitch to give him a heart-felt send-off.

090526 - Dragons RFC v Edinburgh Rugby - United Rugby Championship - Aaron Wainwright of Dragons at full time ©Huw Evans Picture Agency
090526 – Dragons RFC v Edinburgh Rugby – United Rugby Championship – Aaron Wainwright of Dragons at full time ©Huw Evans Picture Agency

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