Ospreys edged out Dragons at Rodney Parade to hand their rivals their first loss of the United Rugby Championship season. The western Welsh side claimed a hard-fought derby victory in round three, while Scarlets narrowly defeated Benetton through a late penalty from Sam Costelow. Cardiff, meanwhile, fell to reigning champions Leinster in Dublin despite a spirited performance.
The three matches featuring Welsh teams produced 24 tries, intensifying the competition for places ahead of Wales’ Nations Championship squad announcement on 20 October.
Tom Rogers, who moved from Scarlets to Ospreys, was named man of the match after playing at full-back in the derby against Dragons. Head coach Mark Jones described Rogers as a hybrid back rather than a traditional full-back, praising his ability to beat defenders and his tactical kicking. Rogers’ defensive commitment was evident when he forced a knock-on by Dragons’ number eight Harri Keddie, acting as last defender.
Jones said, “I really loved the way that he beat the first man almost every time to get us on the front foot… Other than one speculative chip, his decision-making about when to bring it back and when to kick it was spot on.” The coach added that Rogers’ work in the backfield and space-filling has made a strong start and will challenge other players for their positions.
Scarlets’ match against Benetton appeared out of reach at 21-7 down at half-time, with the Italians continuing their dominance early in the second half. However, Scarlets’ back three turned the game around. Full-back Blair Murray won player of the match for his constant threat with ball in hand and a vital interception.
Ellis Mee scored two tries after a break by wing Macs Page, who impressed with his speed and rugby intelligence. Mee, who started four of Wales’ Six Nations fixtures in 2026 and featured against Argentina and South Africa in July, could solidify his place in Steve Tandy’s squad.
Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies said, “We want to create an environment where we get these guys on the ball… Our highlight reel is quite spectacular after three games, but we need to be more consistent in how we deliver that.” He singled out Page as a wildcard option for Wales selection, noting, “He is similar to someone like Shane Williams – he is all X-factor and is probably one of the first names on our team sheet.”
Dragons, despite the loss to Ospreys, earned two bonus points. Their driving line-out was a major weapon, contributing to seven of the 10 tries scored at Rodney Parade. Hooker Elliot Dee has been a standout performer, scoring a late leveller against Benetton, two tries in the Scarlets game, and another two against Ospreys. Dee was man of the match against Scarlets and leads the early season try-scoring charts with five.
Dee commented on the newly enforced maul laws, which require defending players to detach and retreat, saying, “It definitely gives the attacking team an advantage… It’s a good rule, and it’s good for the game.” He aims to challenge Gloucester’s Dewi Lake and Scarlets’ Ryan Elias for Wales selection.
Cardiff’s challenge against Leinster ended in defeat, despite a display of spirit in Dublin. The Welsh side had won their opening two fixtures but were unable to add to that tally. Their next test is a Champions Cup trip to Northampton, who recently scored 11 tries in a 71-48 victory over Bath.
The URC season is proving intense with Welsh teams battling internal pressures amid uncertain futures under Welsh Rugby Union plans. While off-field questions loom, Ospreys and Scarlets have begun to establish momentum through performances on the pitch. Steve Tandy faces a selection dilemma with emerging talents like Page and Mee competing alongside established names such as Louis Rees-Zammit and Josh Adams, who is nearing a return from injury.
According to Yahoo Sports.
