Cardiff secured a dominant 26-0 victory over Ospreys at St Helen's in Swansea, with a remarkable defensive display that kept their hosts scoreless for the first time in over two years.
Tom Bowen touched down twice, while Josh Adams and Tom Howe also crossed for Corniel van Zyl's side, securing a bonus-point win in this Welsh derby. However, it was their red-zone defence that stood out, as Ospreys were kept off the scoresheet despite numerous entries into the Cardiff 22.
First-half dominance
Three first-half tries stunned Mark Jones' side, who were unable to find a way back into the match despite sustained pressure. The result saw Cardiff leapfrog Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship standings, moving into the top eight.
After last week's win against the Dragons, Ospreys had hoped to continue their winning run at their new home. But on a night when fans arrived in Halloween costumes, the hosts endured a frightful first half.
Cardiff dominated the breakdown throughout the opening 40 minutes, with Wales U20s duo Steff Emanuel and Bowen running riot. Emanuel was involved in all three first-half scores, starting with a loop pass out wide for Bowen to dot down.
Ospreys attempted to respond through their driving maul, but Cardiff held them up twice in quick succession. Cardiff then doubled their lead when Bowen raced away for his second after Emanuel's pull-back pass to Jarrod Evans created space for the wing to get around Owen Watkin.
Second-half resistance
Emanuel then hit a hard line off a lineout before dabbing a delicate grubber through for Adams, who had been released from the Wales squad for this match to get much-needed minutes, to score.
Trailing by 19 points, Ospreys threw everything at Cardiff in the second half, with co-captain Sam Parry held up over the line. Opportunities came and went near the Cardiff line, but the visitors' defence held firm.
When Cardiff got their chance 10 minutes from time, they took it. Tom Howe was on hand at the back of the maul to go over for the bonus-point try, capping a fine derby performance.
