image source, hugh evans picture agency
- author, matt lloyd
- role, BBC Wales Sport
For Welsh rugby, a sellout crowd for a touchline ban, record defeat, red card and two sending offs characterized the latest round of the United Rugby Championship (URC).
There was a physical gap as all four regions lost, but there was also a glimmer of hope.
While the Scarlets and Dragons earned bonus points after narrow defeats, it was the bottom teams who put in the most encouraging performances.
Unfortunately, both teams fell just one point short of the try bonus as the Ospreys suffered their biggest defeat in their history.
And Cardiff's Matt Sherratt became the first head coach to be suspended this season.
So what can we take away from this weekend's game?
Osprey stays positive
The Ospreys remain positive about their chances of making the play-offs despite dropping three places after losing 61-24 to the Bulls in Pretoria and conceding a record number of goals.
Crosses from Luke Davies, Kieran Williams and Kieran Giles were made, but two interceptions and a misjudged late penalty kick resulted in a touch, wasting the try bonus.
The Ospreys are now in 10th place, just four points from the play-offs, with their next trip to Leinster uncertain, and there is concern over Adam Beard's injury.
Head coach Toby Booth said: “It's not easy by any means, but if you look at the standings we've had so far, we know what we need to do to get into the top eight.''
“That would be progress, but there's a sense of reality about where we are and what we're going to do.”
He added, “I love this group. It's incredibly tight-knit, but you can learn to be precise when it matters most.”
image source, Characteristics of Rex
URC playoff race is 'crazy'
However, the rest of URC's team isn't quite sure what it will take to make the playoffs with three games remaining.
There is a six-point difference between the Stormers in fifth place and the Lions in 11th place, with three of the teams separated by points alone.
“I've never seen anything like this,” Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins said.
“It's close so it's a great competition, but the points target we set for ourselves keeps moving. Last season we got 48 points and made it to the playoffs, but I don't think that's going to be enough this season.”
Sherratt was silent.
image source, hugh evans picture agency
Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt was handed a one-match touchline ban before kick-off and will now watch his team's 24-7 defeat to Edinburgh from among 11,200 fans at the Arms Park. became.
This followed an “exchange” with Scottish referee Mike Adamson in the aftermath of last week's late defeat to Ulster.
“It was an emotional match and I spoke to the referee immediately after the match and questioned some of his decisions,” Sherratt said.
“But I can assure you that it was not done in an abusive or confrontational manner.
“I've since spoken to Mike and apologized. I think I've learned that right after a game is probably not the best time to talk to officials.”
He was also given a five-match ban and a £7,500 fine, and Sherratt must also take refereeing courses.
image source, hugh evans picture agency
When a loss feels like a win
image source, hugh evans picture agency
This season, Parc y Scarlets has been more of a tower in the sand than a fortress, with the home team losing seven of nine games in all competitions, including a record defeat in the home league.
It seems he may be able to find favor with the fans again, given that he sang it after his enthusiastic performance against the Springboks against the Sharks.
“The fans were very patient and there was a different atmosphere tonight,” Peel said after the Sharks' 34-27 loss.
“Some people might have looked at the team sheet and thought we could win, but we went up against a World Cup winning team and showed we can be a good team.”
Johnny Williams reminded us of his obvious strengths in defense and attack.
O'Brien to return
Dragons fly-half Angus O'Brien will make his second return from an injury-plagued season against the Stormers on May 10.
However, they remain tight-lipped about the Wales international's best position, although they will have to sack Kai Evans, who was moved from full-back to No. 10 against Connacht by manager Dai Flanagan.
“Angus will have to take the spot from Kai, who has done well. He kicks the ball far and his passes are of top quality. He just needs time in the saddle,” Flanagan said. said.
Evans went 5-for-5 with a perfect 5 and tied the score twice before Ben Carter's red card allowed the visiting team to overtake the Dragons, but Elliott Dee's 150th regional appearance put them past the Dragons. .
Flanagan added, “Elliott drives the energy of the group. What makes him a leader is not what he says, but what he does.”
Better late than never
image source, hugh evans picture agency
Yoan Nicolas has proven to be an ideal utility player for the Scarlets since becoming the youngest player in the region's history at just 17 years old in 2015.
However, the former Wales Under-20 international, who played on the wing, full-back and center, has not scored many tries.
He scored two goals against the Sharks and crossed for himself in the 77th minute. 5 years From his last score against the Dragons in 2019 to today.
“He's probably underrated outside the club, but not for us. He's really the glue player for us,” Peel said.
“He's a great communicator and a quality player. He rarely has a bad game, so I'm very happy for him.”
