Last weekend marked the return of the URC and our website correspondent Darren Powell brought us a look at the Welsh side’s progress at the competition.
Cardiff 22-17 Zebre
It all started with the home team’s opening win over Zebre in Cardiff on Friday night.
Full-back Cam Winnett opened the scoring with a cross-field kick from debutant fly-half Callum Sheedy, who joined from Bristol Bears in the summer. Zebre had earlier gone 3-0 ahead but Cardiff opened the scoring 10 minutes later.
Cardiff had a second try, this one from winger Ewan Stevens, who joined from Newcastle Falcons in the summer and again got a brilliant assist from Sheedy.
Six minutes later, another debutant for Cardiff scored for his new team when he crossed for Welshman Dan Thomas, who had signed from Bristol Bears in the summer.
Cardiff were leading 17-3 at half-time. In the 18th minute of the second half, another Cardiff debutant was made, this time former Bath player Josh McAnally, who crossed for the home side.
Cardiff went 22-3 ahead after 64 minutes, with a quick hand from inside the Zebre half that saw centre Giulio Bertaccini cross over for his first try in Zebre colours.
Samuele Locatelli scored the visitors’ goal in the 81st minute of Zebre’s seventh game.
Dragons 23-21 Ospreys
On Saturday we saw the first Welsh derby of the season as The Dragons hosted the Ospreys. Heading into this game, the Ospreys had not won at Rodney Parade since 2021.
The score was tied 3-3 after just 20 minutes, but Osprey centre Keiran Williams fired home a stunning drive to give the Ospreys their first try of the season.
After 26 minutes, a good play saw Harrison Keddie cross for his first try of the season. There was a nice hand and a great finish from the Dragons number 6. After 33 minutes, the two teams were level at 13-13.
The Ospreys scored their second try five minutes into the second half, with former Scarlets winger Ryan Conveer notching his fourth try in an Osprey shirt.
It was Conbeers’ fourth try in Ospreys colours, having already scored three in pre-season. In the 79th minute, the Ospreys conceded a penalty inside the Dragons half. In the 83rd minute, Luke Yendle crossed for the winning try and converted well.
The Dragons finally won their first league opener since 2013.
Benetton 20-20 Scarlett
In the final game on Saturday, Benetton faced Scarlets and after a sloppy 21 minutes of first-half play, winger Onishi Rataba scored the first try for Benetton.
Both teams were still getting the feel of the game after 30 minutes, with Scarlets’ high defensive line causing problems for Benetton. Rhino Smith found a gap in the Scarlets defence after a great run from the forward, and Smith finished wide to make it 12-0 after 32 minutes.
Former Bristol scrum-half Andy Uren has commanded the forward pack superbly in the red zone and brings his experience to the Italian side.
Just before the break, 19-year-old Max Page, making his Scarlets debut, beat Smith and crossed for Scarlets. Half-time score: Benetton 12 Scarlets 7.
Benetton won their first point of the second half from a penalty to put the home team ahead 15-7. It took Scarlets 53 minutes to score their first try of the game when Jarrod Taylor was brought down on a driving lineout.
Ian Lloyd added a long rage penalty during the match to give the Scarlets their first lead at 17-15.
A superb line-break from scrum-half Gareth Davies was followed by a high tackle on the Wales international before Lloyd slotted home another three points for the Scarlets.
But Latava, exhausted, made a second attempt, but failed to convert, ending with 20 points each.
Not many teams have managed to finish a match without a point in Benetton these days, but the Scarlets have pulled off a famous draw in Italy.
Written by Darren Powell
