Bridgend, Wales – Wales scrum-half Kieran Hardy scored two tries as the Ospreys produced a statement 33-22 victory over Cardiff in a New Year’s derby clash at Brewery Field. The win earned Ospreys a bonus point and lifted them to eighth place in the United Rugby Championship (URC) table, climbing eight spots after starting the Christmas period at the bottom.
Hardy Leads the Charge
Hardy’s brace was the centerpiece of a strong Ospreys performance, complemented by tries from Keelan Giles, hooker Sam Parry, and wing Iestyn Hopkins. Scrum-half Hardy, who became Ospreys’ primary number nine due to injuries to Reuben Morgan-Williams and Luke Davies, impressed with his composure, vision, and finishing ability.
“Scoring twice today was fantastic, but it’s about the team performance,” said Hardy after the match. “We’ve worked hard over the past few weeks, and it’s great to see that reflected on the scoreboard and in front of our fans.”
Wing Giles opened the scoring following a clever pass from Hardy, while Parry and Hopkins helped secure the bonus-point try, with Hardy crossing once more in the second half after evading Cardiff’s defense.
Cardiff’s Late Response
Cardiff responded in the final eight minutes with tries from Josh Adams, Taulupe Faletau, and Javan Sebastian, securing a losing bonus point. Despite the late surge, Cardiff struggled with ill-discipline and were overpowered by Ospreys’ forwards throughout the match. The visitors remain second in the URC table, just behind the Stormers, but were frustrated by a slow start to the festive period.
Cardiff captain Liam Belcher was shown a yellow card for an illegal clearout, and Ospreys replacement Morgan Morse was sin-binned late for a professional foul, but the hosts maintained their lead to secure victory.
Team News and Key Performers
Ospreys were without Wales prop Gareth Thomas, sidelined with a calf injury until late January, but Garyn Phillips contributed crucial defensive turnovers. Stand-in Ospreys co-captains Jack Walsh and Sam Parry led a disciplined display, while lock Ryan Smith and wing Iestyn Hopkins supported the attacking platform.
Ospreys Starting XV: Walsh (co-capt), Hopkins, Watkin, K. Williams, Giles; Edwards, Hardy; G. Phillips, Parry (co-capt), Botha, R. Davies, R. Smith, Ratti, Deaves, Morris.
Replacements: Lake, S. Thomas, Henry, Fender, Morse, G. Evans, P. Cokanasiga, Nagy.
Cardiff Starting XV: Winnett; Adams, Millard, B. Thomas, Grady; Sheedy, Mulder; Southworth, Belcher (capt), Assiratti, McNally, Nott, Mann, D. Thomas, Lawrence.
Replacements: E. Lloyd, Barratt, Sebastian, Thornton, Botham, Faletau, A. Davies, Beetham.
Referee: Adam Jones (WRU)
Off-Field Context
The match occurred amid ongoing Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) plans to reduce the number of professional men’s teams from four to three. Ospreys owners Y11 Sports and Media are reportedly in talks to buy WRU-owned Cardiff, potentially reshaping the west Wales professional rugby landscape. Fans remain vocal on social media about their concerns, as WRU has delayed decisions until after the end of the year.
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