The Ospreys claimed a hard-fought 38-31 victory over the Dragons at Rodney Parade, before a late Sam Costelow penalty secured the Scarlets a narrow 27-26 win over Benetton. Cardiff, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the season against Leinster in Dublin, while a host of Welsh players were in action across the Gallagher Premiership.
Winners
Tom Rogers was given his chance at full-back against the Dragons on Friday night and made the most of it. The former Scarlets player produced an excellent display to earn the player-of-the-match award, combining defensive assurance with attacking intent. He made several important try-saving tackles, dealt impressively with the aerial contest and looked dangerous whenever he had the ball in hand as the Ospreys claimed their first win of the season.
Blair Murray was outstanding in the Scarlets' 27-26 victory over Benetton on Saturday evening and was given the official player of the match award. Murray was a threat every time he touched the ball, with one scintillating break from his own 22 in the first-half which should have resulted in a try. He eventually scored a try after the break, running in an interception from 70 metres. The 25-year-old is in top form ahead of the Nations Championship next month and responded to the challenge laid down by full-back rival Rogers in style. The battle for the number 15 jersey this autumn is really hotting up. Honourable mentions must also go to Macs Page, Sam Costelow and Gareth Davies.
Reffell and Dee shine
Tommy Reffell went head-to-head with his principal rival for Wales' number seven shirt, Jac Morgan, on Friday night and did his international prospects no harm. The 27-year-old was influential at the breakdown, winning turnovers and disrupting the speed of Gloucester's attacking ball. He also made 10 tackles and carried 11 times in an industrious display as Leicester Tigers inflicted Gloucester's first defeat of the season, winning 38-31 at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. Wales have plenty of options in the back row, but on this evidence Reffell will be difficult for Tandy to overlook. The fact that he put in a performance of such quality after waking up at 3am on the same day with an illness is testament to his strength of character.
Elliot Dee may have finished on the losing side, but this was another strong performance from the Dragons hooker and new try machine. The 32-year-old has endured a difficult couple of years, with a succession of serious injuries keeping him out of action for extended periods. He has, however, made an impressive start to the new season and has put himself in contention for a place in Tandy's squad in November. Five tries in four games is an exceptional return for a hooker, while his throwing in at the lineout is as accurate as it has always been.
Losers
Taulupe Faletau was poised to make his comeback on Saturday night after six months out with injury, only to be withdrawn before kick-off. The reason for his late omission has not been confirmed, although the 35-year-old had been managing a niggle in the build-up to the match. The Wales great has not played since suffering a shoulder injury and has also endured problems with his knee and calf. Cardiff will be hoping to have their influential No 8 back in action soon. Cardiff had made an encouraging start to the season, winning their opening two matches, but suffered their first defeat on Saturday night, losing 29-5 to Leinster at the Laya Arena in Dublin.
The Dragons have made an encouraging start to the season but will look back on Friday night's 38-31 defeat by the Ospreys as a missed opportunity. Filo Tiatia's side were undone by fine margins in the final quarter of an entertaining contest, letting a game they might have won slip away. There were, nevertheless, plenty of positives for the Dragons, who look a much-improved side and have good reason to be optimistic about the weeks ahead.
It was a difficult afternoon for Bristol Bears, who suffered their first defeat of the season with a 30-7 loss at Saracens on Saturday. Bristol's Welsh contingent struggled to make an impact, with the backs receiving little front-foot ball from a pack that was comprehensively outplayed. Louis Rees-Zammit was unable to influence proceedings, but former Wales Under-20s wing Aidan Boshoff provided a rare bright spot, making an incisive break to send Harry Randall over for Bristol's only try.
