Dragons 23 - 21 Ospreys: Dragons kick off new URC season with last minute winner in Welsh derby

The Dragons got off to a perfect start at Rodney Parade today when Lloyd Evans slotted a penalty from 36 metres out inside the opening 90 seconds. The flyhalf was making his debut but the region after spending a decade at Gloucester.

Justin Tipuric was announced as the new Ospreys defence coach for the 2025/26 season but was still making his presence felt on the field in his final season as he won a penalty for the Ospreys which saw them level the scores through the boot of Dan Edwards.

The Ospreys were forced into an early change when scrum half Reuben Morgan-Williams was forced off with a HIA. A blow to Toby Booths men as the lively scrum half was a key figure for them last season.

Ospreys scored the first try of the game midway through the first half through Kieran Williams, their top try scorer last season after a lovely set piece following a lineout. Edwards had simple conversations giving his side a seven-point lead. However, it was soon reduced to four-points thanks to another Evans penalty.

The Dragons were looking comfortable with the ball in hand, Rio Dyer making many dangerous runs and eventually they went over for a superb score as Harrison Keddie was on the receiving end of a Matthew Screech offload, and the backrower went over.

Dan Edwards was then taken out late by his opposite number Lloyd Evans resulting in a kickable penalty 30 metres out. Following unsuccessful lineout drives, the Ospreys took the shot at goal and Edwards nailed his kick to level the scores. The Ospreys then took the lead minutes later through the boot of Dan Edwards after the Dragons were penalised for a high tackle.

The Dragons had one last opportunity before half time, but the Ospreys were strong on defence and held them off to go into the break with a three-point lead.

Kieran Williams almost grabbed a second try of the afternoon after Jack Walsh showed fancy footwork to open some space, but the Dragons scramble defence allowed them to hold the ball up and relieve some pressure.

But soon after, the Ospreys went over, and Jack Walsh was involved again. The ball was shifted towards the left wing and Walsh skipped away from poor tackles before finding debutant Conbeer with a magical pass. Edwards’ sideline conversion drifted just wide of the posts.

Lloyd Evans who went three from three off the tee in the first also suffered a first miss of the game with a penalty attempt which flew wide of the posts. Neither side was capable of finding much momentum in the second half, but the Ospreys were still two scores clear with 15 minutes remaining.

With 10 minutes to go, the Dragons were dealt a heavy blow as James Benjamin was sent to the sin bin for collapsing a maul. The yellow card seemed to wake up the Dragons who fought their way up field before making the final two minutes interesting as another Lloyd Evans penalty put his side in a losing bonus point position and a chance to win the game.

And the Dragons managed to stun the Ospreys as replacement Yendle crashed over form close range to give the Dragons and opening day victory.

15. Angus O’Brien, 14. Rio Dyer, 13. Joe Westwood, 12. Aneurin Owen, 11. Jared Rosser, 10. Lloyd Evans, 9. Dane Blacker, 1. Rodrigo Martinez, 2. Brodie Coghlan, 3. Leon Brown, 4. Matthew Screech, 5. Ben Carter, 6. Ryan Woodman, 7. Harri Keddie, 8. Shane Lewis-Hughes.

16. James Benjamin, 17. Rhodri Jones, 18. Luke Yendle, 19. George Nott, 20. Dan Lydiate, 21. Rhodri Williams, 22. Harry Wilson, 23. Ewan Rosser.

15. Jack Walsh, 14. Luke Morgan, 13. Owen Watkin, 12. Kieran Williams, 11. Ryan Conbeer, 10. Dan Edwards, 9. Reuben Morgan-Williams, 1. Gareth Thomas, 2. Dewi Lake, 3. Tom Botha, 4. James Ratti, 5. Adam Beard, 6. Jac Morgan, 7. Justin Tipuric, 8. Morgan Morris.

16. Lewis Lloyd, 17. Steffan Thomas, 18. Math Iorwerth-Scott, 19. Huw Sutton, 20. Harri Deaves, 21. Luke Davies, 22. Phil Cokanasiga, 23. Max Nagy.