The European Competitions began this weekend, with many outstanding games taking place. The Scarlets and Dragons are taking part in the European Champions Cup, while Cardiff Blues and Ospreys are participating in the second tier Challenge Cup. Read how they all got on below.
Scarlets
The Llanelli based region travelled to Bath on Saturday afternoon to open their campaign. They were without several Welsh Internationals including Liam Williams, Rhys Patchell, Johnny Williams, Johnny McNicholl, Ken Owens and James Davies. However, the young Scarlets side began the game excellently with Gareth Davies scoring early on his 200th appearance for the region after great work from Steff Evans. Bath’s experience told late in the first half where the boot of Ben Spencer and Ruaridh McConnochie’s fine try gave them a 14-10 lead at the break.
The home side began the second period as they finished the first, on the front foot, as Will Stuart scored. The West Wales side hit back after a great burst of pace and offload from Rob Evans setup Kieran Hardy to score a converted try to give them a one-point advantage. The boot of Leigh Halfpenny extended their lead to 23-19 before an attacking onslaught from Bath in the final few minutes. Halfpenny managed to hold the ball up over the line before Ben Spencer came up just short of the line in the final minute. The Scarlets thoroughly deserved their victory and it will give them a real boost for the visit of Toulon on Friday.
Final Score: Bath 19 – 23 Scarlets
Standout Player: Jac Morgan – The backrow was influential in his battle with Sam Underhill at the breakdown and chipped in with 15 tackles in a big defensive effort.
Dragons
The Gwent side were facing last season’s Gallagher Premiership Finalists Wasps at Rodney Parade. Hours before kick off the Dragons were dealt a blow after two positive Coronavirus tests ruled out six players from the initial squad. Ashton Hewitt, Aaron Wainwright, Lloyd Fairbrother, Harrison Keddie, Leon Brown and Matthew Screech were all withdrawn. The Dragons struggled at scrum time early on with Aaron Jarvis being penalised on a few occasions. However, Jarred Rosser’s yellow card for a no arm tackle cost them as Wasps hooker Tom Cruse opened the scoring. Pacey scrum half Dan Robson also scored in Rosser’s sin bin period to give Wasps a 12-3 lead at the break.
Jonah Holmes hit back for the Dragons after good work from Jamie Roberts while Wasps were down to 14 men. Wasps scored their third in the 70th minute through Jack Willis and secured their bonus point a few minutes later with a Thomas Young try. Dean Ryan will be proud of his team’s effort, they were in the game till the last ten minutes when fatigue kicked in. They will face a tough task next weekend when they travel to Bordeaux.
Final Score: Dragons 8 – 24 Wasps
Standout Player: Ben Carter – The 19-year-old second row only made his first start for the region last weekend against Glasgow. He impressed again this week with his defensive work and came up with a lineout steal playing opposite international duo Joe Launchbury and Will Rowlands.
Cardiff Blues
The Blues opened their Challenge Cup campaign away to a Newcastle side who made a raft of changes. Hallam Amos opened the scoring after good play from the Cardiff back line. Newcastle replied with a try from George Wacokecoke after a sensational 40 metre run from hooker Jamie Blamire. Sam Stuart scored Falcons’ second just before the break to give Newcastle a 17-13 lead at half time.
The Blues responded with a try after the break, Amos gathered his own kick and offloaded to Tomos Williams who crossed, while Jarrod Evans kicked two penalties. Joel Hodgson slotted a penalty for Newcastle with 5 minutes to go before the away side were awarded a penalty try to seal the win after Mark Wilson pulled down a maul. The Blues will host Stade Francais on Sunday.
Final Score: Newcastle 20 – 33 Cardiff Blues
Standout Player: Hallam Amos – The Blues Winger was very impressive scoring and creating a try. He will hope to kick on from this performance and earn a place in Wayne Pivac’s squad for the Six Nations campaign in February.
Ospreys
The Ospreys began their Challenge Cup tournament at home against French side Castres. Veteran fly half Stephen Myler kicked two early penalties to Thomas Fortunel’s one. George North provided the spark that was needed for the Ospreys just after the 20th minute with a break that finished with Shaun Venter scoring. Returning Wales hooker Sam Parry scored two tries before the break on his 100th appearance for the region, both from driving mauls.
Castres improved after the break and were rewarded with a Kevin Kornath score. Dan Evans sealed the bonus point for the home team after good work from Matt Protheroe. Adrien Amans grabbed the French side’s second before Luke Morgan finished the scoring for the Ospreys. They travel to Sixways next week to take on Worcester Warriors.
Final Score: Ospreys 39 – 15 Castres
Standout Player: Matt Protheroe – The Winger has made a real impression since joining from Bristol. He was lively as always causing the Castres defence real problems out wide.
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