Ospreys beat Cardiff amid last-gasp drama at Arms Park

Jarrod Evans failed with a last-minute penalty shot as the Ospreys started the 2023 with a hard-fought United Rugby Championship win in Cardiff.

The home fly-half had earlier helped drag his side back into the game with a brilliantly judged cross kick that sent Josh Adams scorching across for a try that brought a capacity New Year’s Day crowd to their feet.

But it wasn’t to be the home team’s day.

Evans had the chance to square matters in the final seconds but his kick from close to the touchline fell under the posts, allowing Justin Tipuric to make matters safe for the Ospreys.

It was fitting that skipper Tipuric proved the author of the important final act.

The man with the blue hat had been key for the Ospreys all game as he took a stream of lineout catches, achieved turnovers and slowed down Cardiff ball at the breakdown and tackled expertly. If there was a blade of grass at the Arms Park he didn’t cover, someone should tell us about it.

Cardiff had gone into this east-west derby as the top-performing side in Welsh professional rugby, with a string of good results behind them, but their visitors from across the M4 had been building form themselves and were able to get the job done.

Tries for the hosts were scored by Owen Lane, Liam Belcher and Adams, with the Ospreys replying through touchdowns from Sam Parry, Dewi Lake and Owen Williams.

The match was never a classic, but there was plenty of drama for the crowd to enjoy. For Cardiff, Taulupe Faletau excelled with Rhys Carre showing up well in the loose, if not the scrums. The Ospreys’ front row contingent deserve pats on the back for their work, while Owen Williams shone along with the captain.

Despite Toby Booth's team holding a crushing scrum advantage for much of