The Ospreys' return to a redeveloped St Helen's was the standout story of another compelling weekend of rugby, with their Welsh derby against the Dragons a fiercely contested affair. Cardiff and the Scarlets both came up short against South African opposition in the United Rugby Championship.
Roberts delivers timely reminder
Joe Roberts, left out of the Wales squad this week, delivered a timely reminder to Steve Tandy of what he can offer. The Scarlets centre was outstanding in a 52-40 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town, crossing for a superb hat-trick of tries.
The 26-year-old was a constant threat in midfield, hitting strong angles to get over the gain-line and unsettle the Stormers defence. Four clean line breaks underlined his attacking threat, while his distribution was equally impressive. If Roberts can maintain this form, he will have a compelling case for a return to the Wales reckoning ahead of the Six Nations.
There were also encouraging performances from teenage outside-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones and wing Ioan Jones, both of whom impressed despite the Scarlets' defeat.
Ospreys celebrate St Helen's return
After months of work and persistent uncertainty over their future, the Ospreys have finally found a home at a redeveloped St Helen's. More than 5,000 supporters packed into the ground, generating an atmosphere as intimidating as it was evocative.
On the pitch, Mark Jones's side completed the double over the Dragons with a convincing 31-14 victory. The Ospreys absorbed considerable pressure, but their forward power proved decisive, with the Dragons having no answer to the physicality and authority of the home side's pack.
Reuben Morgan-Williams was a thoroughly deserved recipient of the player of the match award after an outstanding all-round display. The 28-year-old scrum-half dictated the tempo well, kicking with precision and offering a constant threat around the fringes, capped by two tries. Named in Steve Tandy's Wales squad this week, Morgan-Williams has put himself firmly in contention for the matchday 23 for next month's internationals, with Tomos Williams certain to start at scrum-half and uncapped Dragons No. 9 Che Hope the other specialist in the squad.
Morgan and Thomas impress
Jac Morgan was once again outstanding in Gloucester's 23-5 victory over Bath in Friday night's West Country derby at Kingsholm. The 26-year-old made 20 tackles without a single miss, adding 12 carries, two line breaks and a crucial turnover at the breakdown.
His Gloucester team-mate Freddie Thomas was also impressive, providing Tandy with a timely reminder of his qualities in the very week he was omitted from the Wales squad. The 24-year-old made 18 tackles and carried 18 times, while also claiming a decisive try.
Gregory red card mars Ebbw Vale win
Curtis Gregory was shown a straight red card for a stamp on Llandovery's Joe Powell during the first half of the Super Rygbi Cymru encounter at Church Bank. With a ruck formed, Powell briefly held Gregory's leg, and Gregory stamped down with considerable force on Powell's outstretched limb.
Powell appeared to escape without any obvious injury and was quickly back on his feet, making his anger clear by shoving Gregory backwards. The disciplinary authorities must now take a firm view of an incident that could have had far more serious consequences, with a lengthy ban entirely warranted.
Cardiff lineout and Scarlets scrum concerns
Cardiff's lineout problems followed them into the URC, with a below-par performance proving costly against the Sharks. The hosts managed a success rate of just 56 per cent on their own throw, a level that is simply not good enough for a side looking to build pressure and convert promising positions into points.
The Scarlets gave an encouraging account of themselves against the Stormers, scoring 40 points, but their defeat exposed a familiar weakness at the scrum. Both Kemsley Mathias and Harri O'Connor were going backwards until the contest switched to uncontested scrums late in the game.
The absence of Australian tighthead Archer Holz has been keenly felt, while the Achilles injury suffered by new signing Chris Apoua, which ended his Scarlets career before he had even made an appearance, has compounded their problems. Nigel Davies revealed at last week's press conference that the club were exploring options in the market as they look to strengthen at tighthead. The return of Wales loosehead Corey Domachowski and the availability of new second-row signing Tom Allen should also provide a timely boost to the forward pack.
