Cardiff Rugby extended their derby dominance over the Dragons with a thrilling 22-19 victory at Cardiff Arms Park in the United Rugby Championship (URC). The win marks a crucial boost for Cardiff’s playoff ambitions, following a pre-Christmas setback against the Scarlets.

Match Overview

In a high-stakes Welsh derby, Cardiff’s Corniel Van Zyl led his side to a hard-fought victory against a Dragons team seeking their first three-win streak since 2015. Despite Dragons’ recent wins over Lyon and Connacht, they fell short in the capital, unable to claim a historic win against the Blue and Blacks.

The first half was a tense battle, ending 12-12. Dragons’ scrum-half Che Hope scored two outstanding tries, countered by Cardiff’s tight-head prop Javan Sebastian and blind-side flanker Alex Mann, who both powered over from close range.

The defining moment came early in the second half when Cardiff wing Josh Adams finished a slick move orchestrated by centre Ben Thomas, with fly-half Callum Sheedy converting. Sheedy’s late penalty extended Cardiff’s lead to 10 points, setting up a nail-biting finish.

Key Moments and Turning Points

• Dragons’ Early Advantage: The visitors opened the scoring in the seventh minute after Cardiff wing Mason Grady failed to field a cross-kick cleanly. Fini Inisi and Rio Dyer combined to set up Hope’s try, giving Dragons an early lead.
• Cardiff’s Response: Cardiff fought back through close-range efforts from Javan Sebastian and Alex Mann, with Sheedy converting both tries. Cardiff opted for attacking rugby over penalty kicks, reflecting their aggressive game plan.
• Half-Time Drama: Dragons’ fly-half Tinus de Beer leveled the score with a clever grubber for Dyer, who set up Hope for his second try, converted by Angus O’Brien. Cardiff missed a late chance to regain the lead before the break.
• Second-Half Breakthrough: Adams’ second-half try, assisted by Ben Thomas and supported by number eight Taulupe Faletau, proved decisive. Dragons’ discipline issues saw Harrison Keddie yellow-carded for stopping a line-out drive illegally, while Rob Hunt suffered a shoulder injury requiring stretcher removal.
• Late Drama: A penalty try awarded to Dragons narrowed the gap to 22-19. Cardiff held firm in the final minutes, with flanker Dan Thomas securing possession at the breakdown in the 86th minute, sealing the victory.

Tactical Insights

Cardiff’s tactical discipline and ability to convert scoring opportunities were crucial. Choosing tries over penalties in key moments showcased their attacking mindset. Meanwhile, Dragons struggled with consistency and conceded penalties at critical junctures, which ultimately cost them the game.

Player Performances

• Cardiff:
  • Josh Adams: Key second-half try scorer, combining skill and awareness.
  • Callum Sheedy: Two conversions and a decisive late penalty.
  • Taulupe Faletau: Dominant in ball carries and breakdown support.
• Dragons:
  • Che Hope: Two brilliant first-half tries, debuting as a standout performer.
  • Fini Inisi & Rio Dyer: Instrumental in early scoring opportunities.

Post-Match Reactions

Cardiff coach Corniel Van Zyl praised his squad’s resilience:
“After last week’s defeat to Scarlets, we were determined to take the win. The fight the boys showed at the end, defending multiple phases, was very pleasing.”

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia reflected on missed opportunities:
“Playing into the wind in the first half, the boys performed well, but in the second half, errors and penalties hurt us.”

Line-Ups

Cardiff: Winnett; Adams, Millard, B Thomas, Grady; Sheedy, A Davies; Barratt, Belcher (capt), Sebastian, McNally, Thornton, Mann, D Thomas, Faletau.
Replacements: E Lloyd, Southworth, S Wainwright, Nott, Lawrence, Botham, Mulder, Beetham.

Dragons: O’Brien (co-capt); Anderson, Inisi, Owen, Dyer; De Beer, Hope; Martinez, Roberts, Hunt, Douglas, Carter (co-capt), Woodman, Young, Wainwright.
Replacements: Scarfe, W Jones, Dlamini, Screech, Keddie, Lewis-Hughes, R Williams, Richards.

Attendance: 12,125

Looking Ahead

Cardiff temporarily move into second place in the URC table ahead of their New Year’s Day clash with Ospreys. Dragons begin 2026 with a home fixture against the Scarlets, aiming to break their losing streak against the Blue and Blacks in a derby that has now extended to 12 seasons.