Dragons 31-38 Ospreys: Player Ratings from Welsh Derby Classic

byRugby Rucker

By Connor Johnson at Rodney Parade

Ospreys have won their first game at Rodney Parade since 2021

Both sides started their campaigns in contrasting fashion, with the Dragons unbeaten after recording one win and one draw, while the Ospreys endured a difficult start with back-to-back defeats in South Africa.

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The form guide began to ring true early on, with the Dragons making the brighter start of the two. A driving maul, with multiple Dragons players piling in, ultimately overwhelmed the Ospreys defence, allowing Elliot Dee to score his fourth try of the campaign. Tinus de Beer added the conversion.

From the outset, it was clear that these two sides did not like each other, with big hits coming from all directions. Even in the early stages, tensions threatened to boil over.

Ospreys pressure began to build, with multiple entries into the Dragons' 22, although they initially struggled to turn that pressure into points. That changed when Ross Moriarty went over in the corner following a driving maul from a lineout, cutting the deficit to two points. Dan Edwards added the conversion.

In a game that had offered little room for fluidity, a moment of magic arrived five minutes before half-time. Liam Wright reacted quicker than everyone else before Lalakai Foketi poked a ball through for Keelan Giles to chase. The Welshman stepped his way over the line to score. Edwards was unable to convert, leaving the Ospreys just short of a seven-point lead.

Right on the stroke of half-time, the Dragons retook the lead following an infringement by the Ospreys that resulted in a penalty try. Moriarty was also shown a yellow card in the process. Although the Dragons headed into the break in front, both sides had reasons to be pleased with their first-half performances.

Second Half

The Ospreys took their time breaking down the Dragons' defence, patiently building pressure through a driving maul before Sam Parry found a gap at the back to score and restore the visitors' lead. Edwards added the conversion.

The Dragons' third try of the day followed a familiar pattern: a driving maul from a lineout produced another score, with Dee getting his second try of the afternoon. De Beer added the conversion to bring his points tally to four.

The flurry of scoring at the start of the second half continued, with Parry going over for his second try of the match. It was almost identical to his first, and the score secured the Ospreys' try bonus point. Edwards restored their five-point advantage with an excellent conversion.

Keelan Giles, eat your heart out! Anything you can do, Anzelo Tuitavuki can do too. In a move almost identical to Giles' first-half try, Tuitavuki finished off a series of swift offloads, this time from Che Hope. De Beer added the conversion to put the Dragons back in front.

With just over 15 minutes remaining, Angus O'Brien produced a beautiful kick to secure a 50:22 for the home side. However, the Dragons were unable to capitalise on the opportunity, conceding a penalty and missing the chance to put some daylight between the two sides as the points continued to accumulate.

As the Dragons pushed for another score, a pass from O'Brien put them in danger of surrendering their lead once again. They were unable to convert that attacking phase into points but found a way through during the next one.

Morgan Morris went over after referee Robbie Jenkinson took a long, hard look at whether the ball had been grounded before eventually awarding the try. Edwards missed the crucial conversion, leaving it a three-point game.

With just under two minutes remaining, the Ospreys drove a dagger through the Dragons' hearts. Morris went over again to become the visitors' late hero, capping off a passage of play that had been evident throughout the evening. The replacement scored his second try in six minutes, and Edwards slotted the conversion to put the game beyond the Dragons' reach.

Still hoping to secure a losing bonus point and take two points from the match, the Dragons pushed for a penalty that would bring the deficit within seven points. De Beer was given the opportunity in added time and duly took it, but the spoils went to the Ospreys, who secured their first win of the season.

Match Summary

Dragons 31

Tries: Elliot Dee 4', 50'; penalty try 40'; Anzelo Tuitavuki 56'

Conversions: Tinus de Beer 5', 51', 57'

Penalties: Angus O'Brien 80'

Drop goals: None

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Ospreys 38

Tries: Ross Moriarty 16'; Keelan Giles 34'; Sam Parry 46', 54'; Morgan Morris 72', 79'

Conversions: Dan Edwards 17', 47', 55', 80'

Penalties: None

Drop goals: None

Yellow cards: Ross Moriarty 40'

Red cards: None

Player of the Match: Sam Parry (Ospreys)

Alongside scoring two tries to help the Ospreys secure their first win of the season amid difficult off-field circumstances, captain Parry stood up for his side and led by example.

Although he did not have his best night at the set piece, his timely contributions, whether at the breakdown or in his efforts to disrupt the Dragons' mauls, played a significant role in the Ospreys coming out on top.

Biggest Underperformer: Marika Koroibete (Ospreys)

The former Wallaby came into this game with high expectations. Although this was his first appearance of the season for the Ospreys and he was forced off through injury, he struggled to make an impact during his time on the pitch.

Making a difference in attack was one of the reasons coach Mark Jones brought him in, and his performance will have left fans hoping to see more of him once he returns to full fitness. Rugby fans will also hope Koroibete is not sidelined for too long, as he is a real threat when in full flight. Unfortunately, tonight was not his night.