Dragons v Ospreys Scrum V Live Pro 12

They are the joint most successful side in the history of the Pro12

with four trophies to the unions. But they are in trouble. Out of the

play-offs and barring a miracle, of the top tier in Europe. Down on

their luck, they would receive no sympathy in a layer of the Dragons.

The men are frequent have their own problems to contend with. The late

18, of just four. Reputations are on the line. The ospreys have become

accustomed to success in this fixture. Dan Biggar and company have

won it in a row against the Dragons whose home and away. The Dragons are

on their worst ever losing run. What can the captain do to inspire them.

This is unfamiliar territory for the ospreys. They have never finished

seventh and they have never failed to qualify for the Champions Cup. It

is more familiar for the Dragons. They have finished in the bottom

half of the table for the last 12 years in a row. How they would love

to bloody Ospreys tonight. Welcome to the show. Pyrotechnic scrum-half

around us. I joined by Martyn Williams. Two teams that spirit for

victory. He has the most to lose and why? I think for both teams it is a

big game. Ospreys have had a disappointing campaign. They were

brilliant in Europe, had a lot of injuries. This is just a blip for

the Ospreys. It is huge for Dragons. They have had a per season. It is a

home game and they want to go out with a bang. I think they need this

otherwise it will be another year for the Dragons where they have

underachieved. There is more in it for the Dragons. A massive night for

Faletau. The captain's armband for what might be his last game in front

of the home fans. He has been a sensation. These actions rather than

words. It is unfair to say to the rest of the Dragons, ... It is such

a shame for the Dragons to lose their one world-class player. We

wish them the best. People missing here. Sean, you came here many times

with the Ospreys as a coach. There always seems to be a bit of extra

tension between these two sides. The Dragons have only ever finished

above the Ospreys once and it is an uncomfortable place to come. It is

an uncomfortable place for coaches and supporters. They are all up for

this tonight. The Ospreys have two women in it. They have shown their

support as a response from the defeat last week. For the Dragons,

it has been a disappointing season. Their pride is at stake. They have

gone for development and with that comes error. Amos had a good season

in try scoring form but he loses the ball too easily. It always seems to

be in the attacking areas. Tonight they need to be more direct against

an organised Ospreys defence. Be directed in the midfield. Get your

forwards on the corner. Easy Lewis Evans controlling the often and when

you get through the phases, build pressure in the 22 and he can put

the likes of Amos in spaces where he is up against forwards. They will

know this. This is how they used to use Shane Williams. He is not there

yet but he is getting there. They will be banged up for this one

tonight. Let's find out what Lyn Jones as to say. The final scheduled

home game of the season. How important with a win before the game

and the fans? It has been a good and not so good season for us. Our home

form has been good but it is important we finish with a victory

because our performances have been excellent here and the supporters

have been excellent. The boys need a tap on the back. We had last week

after the defeat that there aren't too many more meals to go in the

European cough and that you are still in it but you need bonus

points. We go flat out from the start? We have prepared for a night

of positive rugby. We spoke with Dan on the field about the way we would

like to go and aspects of the first half. We have got to go for them.

Interesting that from Griff Rhys. He said they will be chasing that bonus

point early because unless they get points they have no chance of

qualifying for Europe. Hopefully we will see a fast game. There is

tension between these two teams so hopefully we will see a lot of

tries. We are looking at two youngsters. A win against Morton.

They are both runners. Great in open play. 7000 varied vocal fans here at

Rodney Parade insisting it is a massive night. Can the Dragons Brent

and the game losing streak to an end tonight?

Bernardo. Rhys Webb get the captaincy as the half-backs look to

put their stamp on the game. Ericsson will be in at the end. --

Derksen. We all know how important Dan Biggar is in any team he plays

for. Dan Biggar is in any team he plays

played exceptionally well since he has been here. A very interesting

game. Possession still in Dragon hands. Lewis Evans with a ball. -- a

short ball. They were lucky to get away with that. That was a very

basic handling error. You have got to cut your errors out. You cannot

just hand position over. That is a bread and butter take for Jones

there, just fumbled it. As I said, there is not much difference between

these two sides of this year. They just haven't got over the line, the

Dragons. So many 1-point defeat. It will come down to the composure.

That could be crucial. The Dragons scrummaged very well

indeed against the Scottish front row who were playing in Sunday.

Ospreys were in all kinds of trouble against the Scarlet 's. Two changes

upfront. Paul James has had eye surgery and we wish him well for a

speedy recovery. Nicky Smith on the loose side. Dmitri Arhip taking over

from Jarvis on the tight head. It looks as though he will allow

them to play on. A cryptic. Strip out to Derksen.

The Ospreys are certainly extorting very purposefully. They look as

though they mean business. A good tackle on Sam Underhill. Phil Price

leading the way. A good inside ball from Biggar. Rhys Webb was away and

stop Bernardo takes the contact as the Ospreys build up the phases and

the pressure. Very impressive Ali Cracknell. He is 22 next month. Each

sewerage wins a view more yards, 84 metres. Webb arrives to get the ball

out to Biggar. On the outside. They worked the space stuff that is a

superb try. So patient, so many faces, so correct and in the end, an

easy in. They created overlaps early on. Good ball carrying out the

forwards. -- by the forwards. A lovely finish. Take and give. Really

good working of the ball. A good play from the feedback, coming in.

The Dragons got nowhere near the ball in the tackle area. The Ospreys

dominated. The carries were outstanding. Very unlike the

Dragons. They usually cause some slow ball. Real effective cleaning

out by the Ospreys. They have the turnover king. Very effective from

the Ospreys. The ball so well produced, so quick and the Ospreys

looked on top of their game. Just shading the left-hand side from Dan

Biggar. The tackling there was very solid. Stop it there. This is a

problem. You have a man they are coming in not sure where it is

happening and he is caught. One in one out. A simple try.

A nice little swerve to get past Derksen.

That was a high tackle so they have got a free play. He took his two

tries very well last Sunday. Underhill nearly got the turnover.

Dragons need to take a leaf from the Osprey's book. Carry the ball. They

got over the gain line. When the opportunity came they just didn't

have the numbers on the left-hand side. He has penalised some

Underhill. He wasn't supporting his own body weight. It shows intent.

That was a very capable penalty from Jones.

You are obstructing. A cheap penalty to give away. They lost possession

when they came in the first time and now BBC penalty. -- now it is a

penalty. You would usually get away with that. At least they know now.

Very technical, isn't it? He got away with the first one,

didn't get away with the second one. Just too many errors by the Dragons

so far in the first seven minutes. I don't understand why he doesn't go

in the air for that because once he gets off the ground, Dirksen cannot

get anywhere near him. Just protect yourself by going airborne.

The Ospreys look slick so far. They are doing everything at Pierce. Dan

Biggar just got the ball, kicked it. They want to play high tempo no

doubt. Just watch Rhys Webb tonight. How quick does he get every play and

get the ball away? It gives Dan Biggar a bit more time. The Ospreys

were interesting. Now then. Tyler Morgan on the

outside. Morgan. Amos. They have beaten him. That is superbly done.

Tyler Morgan and Dan Biggar all the way. They sent Amos over. That is a

brilliant try. It comes from the quick play in the ruck. This is the

opportunity. There it goes. Give and take. A brilliant take there. Give

and take. A brilliant finish. Basic rugby done exceptionally well. Great

speed by Tyler Morgan. Miscommunication with Owen Watkin

and Dirksen. Watkins is held back. They take it really well. A good

play by Mayer. Great gas by Tyler Morgan. Biggar did his very best to

compete against the two on one but it was perfectly done by Tyler

Morgan. And the conversion just not thrown enough. Ten minutes, a try

apiece and the game is starting to get going. Pretty give and take. He

has got to hold Dirksen. That is the main job there for the feedback.

Mayer has got to hold him and the same situation with vigour.

We thought we might have a game on our hands tonight. Lovely one-handed

pass. Faletau. You must wanted the cake. The ball back in the hands of

Matavesi. As it is, it is beer man setting the Ospreys. Dan Evans to

Biggar. Dirksen using space. A cross comes Faletau. Figure was screaming

for the return ball. Faletau had it covered. Brilliant play by Faletau.

Great play by the Ospreys. Ali Cracknell. What a great start to

this team. Quality rugby from both teams. Tyler Morgan's tackle was

great work. The smallest man on the feedback so, so effective at

breakdown. If he misses the tackle, the Ospreys are 40 or 50 yard break.

It was well read. Just running on there. Stop it there. Just watch.

They go one, two, three, four and you have all these guys on the other

side. What a finish. A lot of people want to bring a

quicker game back, but this is what it is about. A good steam by Sam

Underhill at the line. The Ospreys will be very disappointed having had

the penalty not to be able to reclaim possession. Those are the

errors. Those little things make a huge difference. Apologies for any

bad language picked up. Good thinking by Biggar. Dragged down by

Faletau. It was Hayek said the referee. Let's have a look at that

high tackle again. Rhys Webb really wants to keep the pace. Dan Biggar

is up for this tonight. He is shouting at everybody. That is what

you want in a derby. Passionate, five replay. He is up for this one

tonight, Dan Biggar. This is the penalty. Faletau tackled. There is

the knock-on. I am not sure that is right. That is ridiculous. It is a

contact sport, boys, come on. He hasn't actually taken his head off,

has he? That is a brilliant tackle because he is looking for the

off-load. If someone comes at you, all you do is put the hand down as

Faletau did there and go over the top. That is not the high tackle. It

is the letter of the law yes, OK. He wasn't hurt. No one was screaming

for a penalty. Well, Dan Biggar was. A good position for the Ospreys.

Plenty of options. Very brave from the Dragons.

The Dragons had to be a little bit more aggressive in defence than they

have been. Underhill leads the next charge for the Ospreys. He wins the

contact you again. Arhip weights. He is shown on. Biggar, Matavesi. They

are fighting for the ball. Triggered off by Cracknell. Biggar looks one

weight than the other. I will have to have a look at that

again. A cryptic by Webb? No, not allowed.

Can it all down now boys. Go and have a word with him. The penalty is

here for not rolling. Did you have the word? Time is still off. The

work will be whatever. Keep going. -- word.

I want to see that showed out. -- shoulder. They want to see this kind

of measured aggression on the field. Back to a conventional setup behind

the scrum. As he flew back, the last but one

player, there is Dan Evans. I would like to see him stand where he will

not come in and change the angle of attack as he is doing it. Unless he

comes in on an answer -- inside ball, he will not offer anything to

the defensive line. Interesting the move Jones over to this blindside as

well. Webb to Biggar. Matavesi on the

crash ball. The line speed is up so you have nothing to play with. Just

about managed to hang onto it, the Ospreys.

Webb to Biggar. A deep pass to Owen Watkin. Matavesi almost created the

gap for him. They have managed to reach it. Again, they just dominated

the tackle area. They are so quick you cannot defend it. Rhys Webb get

the try. All the pressure, in the end, results in the second Ospreys

try. This evidence go a little too high year and he gets out of the

tackle. Gets the ball down eventually. Just watch how quickly

they recycled the ball. The tackle is too high by Liz Evans. He

wriggles out and scorers. It is the pace of the recycling. Rhys Webb is

so good at that. He is so strong, so powerful. Just managed to get the

point of the ball down for a second and that will do.

Biggar succeeds with a conversion and as we approach midway through

the first-half, the Ospreys lead by 12 five. Deservedly so. They have

dominated possession. Through the mistakes of the Dragons they have

taken advantage. Here's a good player, Cracknell.

We couldn't easily have named him man of the match. He has been

outstanding. A good prospect for the Ospreys. Here's another one. Owen

Watkin. They are playing with such pace, such quickly recycled ball,

stretching the defence one way then the other, and Webb again with that

break through the middle. Baldwin links up with Dan Biggar. Matavesi.

That is a yellow card as well. Down to 40. He could have produced red

for the tackle. -- down to 14. At full speed and normal place, it

looked like a definite yellow for me. -- normal pace. This is the

tackle. And the clash of heads, to boot. That is a great tackle. That

is what your No. 8 is to do, let me tell you. He's a tough cookie, Rhys

Webb, he is up, he has shaken up. That is a great shot.

Again, going for the posts, extra man. Here is a testing line-out for

the Dragons. It will be interesting to see how they defend this,

Dragons, they stayed away from the line-out last time, which worked.

Standing off again. Ospreys don't know what to do. Smith and Underhill

together. Webb two Dan Biggar. What can only angle.

John Lacey said he was right in line.

Lewis Evans moves up to partner Matthew Screech in the second row.

You must stay stable. Just hold little bit, please, and you keep

stable. Tyler Morgan in the red scrum cap on the far side of the

scrum. As the Dragons look to clear the decks.

scrum. As the Dragons look to clear hands of Pretorius. And it has

worked out for him. Great hands of Pretorius. And it has

to Jones. hands of Pretorius. And it has

Ospreys, and when the Dragons have got the ball, they are bossing it,

the forward pack, at the minute. That will come round and he is the

one who gives away the penalty, and relief at last for the Dragons.

The ball safely out of play. Let's go and find Phil Steele. How

pleasing is this tempo for you, you said you were going to go all out

from the start's yes, we are looking to see how dangerous the Dragons

are. As a neutral rugby man it is not a bad game. I hope so, who said

in the week, two big clubs with loss of quality Welsh players out there.

Confusion amongst the Dragons' ranks. It fell into the hands of

Phil Price. An unorthodox exit from defence.

Four minutes left before Landman comes back on. It slips out

unnoticed. They will fancy a long shot at goal from here, from

halfway. I would kill the clock, I think. If he calls the line-out, the

main source opposition from the line-out, I think that there's a

good decision from Faletau. Just delay the clock. He has gone off at

the last line-out, so a good decision. The last move of the game

against Edinburgh on Sunday, the clock had gone red and they got a

penalty in a similar position, a quick tap and knock-on, game over.

They could have gone for the wrong penalty. Wet conditions. If the

kicker did fancy it. Just about, but just about is good

enough. And the penalty brings them back within four. Just, just managed

to get over, didn't it? Very, very good strike.

Missed completely by Screech. Baldwin. Who would want to be a

coach's good penalty, then doesn't take the restart. Good support, good

clearing. Playing well for the Swiss, six and seven, -- for the

Ospreys. Dan Biggar, to Baldwin. Unlucky. He almost got the pass in.

Time-out's yes? OK. He has taken him off the ball. That is what Rhys Webb

was complaining about that John Lacey has decided that it is a

collision between players. It is a tough call, isn't it, because they

have got to commit to the tackle. He is the outside carrier. I am not

sure. If he was in the inside seven, but on the outside, that is a

penalty. That is a penalty for me. Lewis knows that he is nowhere near

the ball. That is a definite penalty and lucky for it not to be a yellow

card. It has been a very interesting first

half-hour. Takes the wind out of your sails,

that does. The last thing you want to be doing is coming down for the

scrum. We just highlighted it before the

game. Those unforced errors. It makes such a difference, because you

lose the ball and you hand over possession. And what they do with

the possession, then, because they have had so many close defeats, just

cutting those errors out for the Dragons, possibly, you know, it is a

must. Landman will be back on shortly.

Dragons don't want to concede on the pressure in the scrum. Faletau does

brilliantly. Sitting down, getting that one back. They need to get it

off the park, the Dragons now. He has missed touch, though. One more

attack against 14. Dan Biggar, to Hasler, Matavesi hugging the

touchline is Owen Watkin. And again, Nic Cudd wins the penalty. So sharp

over the ball. Well played from Nic Cudd again. Landman should appear on

screen any second. There he is. Apologise as to the referee. And

Phil has now got some Dragons company. Casey Jones, the coach of

the Dragons. Is is the old thing, possession. Yes he has rushed it

there. It is our own errors. Full credit to the Ospreys, they are

coming in hard and having a crack. Trying to get the Fairplay points.

They are looking to be in the top six. I am sure that they would

rather lose having really given it a crack. Is that the half-time talk,

cut out the errors? We have not got into a position to give ourselves a

chance. We know that they are working hard, the Ospreys. We need

to be better. We need to show what we can do with the ball but

unfortunately we have not had a lot of it.

Drifting, and taken by Dorian Jones. Play continues. Meyer stays down.

When the full-back is down, you make the most of it. My is still down. --

Meyer is still down. He went flying past Nicky Smith. Just by the

injured player, as well. There's a few feisty tackles going in. The

little dink by Dorian Jones. A Muskens Chase. He watches the bounds

and in the end he is happy to let it go out of play. -- Amos gives chase.

Let's have a look at the challenge on my. -- on my pity. At normal

speed, not at slow motion. Hasler, the try scorer for the Ospreys

hobbles off. Sam Davies comes on to replace him.

Sam Davies will go to full-back. A free ball for Nic Cudd. Dorian Jones

onto Tyler Morgan. A little bit of miscommunication and allowing used

to come in. Just keep possession and build the pressure. -- allowing

Hughes. Good pass from Dorian Jones. Morgan

had not really looked outside him and was looking at the defenders

making the tackle. The work that Matavesi did to get across, the

overlap was not on any way. Just keep the ball and take the tackle,

build the pressure. Less than five minutes of the first half remaining

and there is no letup at all. Derksen. Bearman comes round to

support blindside. Bigger, through on. -- to Underhill. Sam Davies, and

that is spilled by Adam Beard. He wasn't expecting it. That is the

difference. Because they haven't got the ball-carriers. There is no

option for the scrum-half but to kick. Pressure by Elliot Dee. Amos

goes the long way round. Offside, though. Ospreys.

You cannot tackle and then stop. Both teams keeping up this tempo. It

is a fast game. A lot of mistakes creeping in for both sides.

It is going to take its toll by the end. Cracknell and Underhill are

playing really well as a partnership. He got his hands on

that one. Matavesi is in the way. A big couple of minutes here for the

Dragons to hold out. Lovely hands, bringing in Hanno Dirksen. Good

tackle, good pressure from the Dragons, the fencer with. --

defensively. Very good move. Derksen, and they look from the

centre, one past two Matavesi. He just overruns it a little bit,

Matavesi, and the right decision by Derksen to hold onto it. The first

knock-on was by a Dragons player. Maybe a little bit fortunate for the

Ospreys. They are standing very wide and flat for the length of the pass,

putting yourself on the pressure because of the line speed. -- under

pressure. Big scrum, this, for Dragons.

One more chance for the Ospreys before half-time. They are looking

for a third. Baldwin. Webb. Cracknell was carried to within a

couple of metres, and Webb has another go himself. He got there

last time, hasn't quite this time. Olly Cracknell goes lower. So did

the Dragons defenders. Now they have got men on the outside, Watkin

delays it, but still has time to find Dan Evans in the corner.

Ospreys have a third try right on half-time. Just so many numbers. A

lovely, lovely ball out by Watkin. It is the right option as well. Just

watch. So many numbers chasing across. Adam Hughes has got to come

in. That is a lovely ball. Again, the Blitz defence, but too many

numbers. Easy, easy finish. Dan Evans switched onto the wing since

Jeff Hassler's injury. He won't get many easier than that.

Conversions may not be as important in the grand scheme of things. Dan

Biggar will still want to put it over.

Lovely kick from Dan Biggar to round off a very successful half for the

Ospreys. What a good 40 minutes of rugby that was. Very, exciting

rugby, good play but nominated by Ospreys. One great try by the

Dragons but they have had very little possession. 40 minutes of

enjoyable rugby. Ospreys have three quarters of the job hunt. At

half-time it is Dragons eight, Ospreys 19. If you get territory and

possession in the second half, can you make a dent? Yes, we want to put

up through through, get down and played. And a yellow card, if their

cop, Officer? Yes, the erection was stupid from me. Thank you for your

time. Have a good orange. Thank you. Jeff Hassler going over. What a

response from the Dragons. Great race from Tyler Morgan and a lovely

pass from Hal to round things off, then back down the other end, Rhys

Webb sniping as always. Bundled over the line. Looks like he was held up

but he managed to wrestle that ball to the ground. Landman went to the

sin-bin for a professional foul. That allowed Ospreys to get the

contract on the stroke of half-time. What a pass from Owen Watkin,

beautifully timed pass. And a try from Dan Evans. Ospreys well in

control at half-time with 19-8. And the stats tell a similar story. That

tells you is that we use getting all the ball in attack and possession

and the stats underline that, 75% to the Ospreys. The turnovers having

equal, penalties conceded equal as well. But Ospreys are dominating

this game in terms of the tackle area and terms possession and in

terms of all the statistics we have just seen. They want to give

themselves that faint hope of qualifying for Europe and they are

three quarters of the way there. They are just controlling

everything. The contact area, the kicking game. Just the physicality.

At the minute, the Dragons cannot cope with Ospreys' physicality. They

thoroughly deserved their lead. On the flip side for the Dragons,

everything is coming off scraps. They are working hard, getting a few

penalties, still a lovely try, but they cannot control the game like

the Ospreys have. It did not take long for the visitors get on the

scoreboard. It is a Welsh half-backs, nine and ten,

controlling things. First try was textbook. The Dragons defence did

help. Some great build-up play. This defender missed to slip off, and he

does, to allow Adam Hughes to slip up. He doesn't trust his inside and

if they do that, they get a three on three, and it ends up as two against

one and it is a great finish. Rhys Webb becomes an extra four. He's

really strong. And he has got an eye for the line. He is over the line

and seemingly held up but he is allowed, in law, to make the

placement and John Lacey knows that. Something to learn for young

players. Great composure from Owen Watkin. Their passing skills have

been good and they are reaping the rewards in the 22. Super stuff. We

spoke about how dominant the Swiss had been in the tackle. That gives

the half-backs the time and space they need to control things. Now it

all comes from the heart carries. Dan Biggar, perhaps and goes early

on. Not wasting any time kicking into the corner. He is really up for

this. I like him when he is like this, throwing his arms up in the

air, just asking him what, foundation he uses! It is physical.

It is a derby game at the end of the day. At the end of the day he is a

world-class centre half. Rhys Webb is full of running. When you

consider how serious his leg injury was, he has come back as if he

wasn't out. He is so powerful and difficult to stop from two or three

metres out. Dragons have been living off scraps, but when they get a

sniff, they have got the weapons to score tries. We talked about Amos,

he finished it off. Delighted to be able to show some basic skill for

the viewers. It is an easy thing but so influential in the game. It is

the ball in two hands. Watch the build-up Allsop Pretorius first, the

ball in two hands. Great from my. Hanno Dirksen has to steal it. All

the while, the ball in two hands. For each of the other ball-carriers,

it is a textbook strike and brilliant skills from the Dragons. I

guess that one man we are all watching tonight, Toby Faletau. At

the Dragons that make it to the semifinals and get a home draw, this

will be his last time in front of these faithful fans at Rodney

Parade. He always gives 100%, whatever shirt he is in, and he is

doing it tonight. He has been involved in some big hits. A good

hit, there. This is where he has been outstanding. The team has got

so much ball at the back. When the scrum is under pressure, he is such

a good footballer and he is so skill for a big man, as well. We haven't

seen them making the best of the charges but hopefully we will in the

second half. Will he be emotional tonight? I

doubt it. Deep down he probably will be. He came through the system. He

came to the academy. He has had more than 150 games with the Dragons. It

is such a shame that Welsh rugby is losing a true world-class player. I

think he is the most important player in Wales. It is a shame he is

leaving the Dragons, but with the professional game the way it is that

is how things go. Give us the perspective of the coach on things.

Two different dressing rooms, I would imagine. Lyn Jones will be

reading the riot act. Yes. would imagine. Lyn Jones will be

and send them up the line. That is what it used in the first half to

create overlaps on the outside. He will be emphasising that. This is

the first of two Welsh derbies this weekend and there is plenty more

common on. The Cardiff Devils look forward to a new era. We have a huge

era on -- game on Saturday. Then the second big Welsh derby as the

Scarlet 's take on the Blues. You can catch but live. On scrum five

Sunday we will round up all the action from the Regent and catch up

with Amos and action from the Regent and catch up

is an interesting one. We talked about this last week. Danny Wilson

has gone for three number seven is in the back row. A very mobile pack.

Will that work against the Scarlets? The Scarlet had to themselves. They

will have to work hard. Danny Wilson has done well when you consider the

Blues didn't resemble a rugby team for a couple of seasons and now they

at least have something on track. The late discipline and organist.

That is great credit to Danny Wilson and they have improved through the

season. The Blues have struggled. They did better during the

international window, the World Cup. They have done well again during the

international season. They are coming to terms with bringing their

players back and getting a good standard. This converts are looking

strong. I am looking forward to being there and I think it will be a

home win and it will be the end of the European hopes for the Blues.

Enjoy the game tomorrow. We talked about the changes in the front row.

Two for the Blues come on for the Scarlets. Will the Blues have been

looking at the Scarlets victory over the Ospreys and thinking we had to

beef up a bit here? It is the gold against the new. You cannot get a

more experienced front rows -- front row than the Blues. It is also the

psyche of an away game. They have been fantastic on the artificial

surfaces. They have struggled away from home. When you bring the

scrummage in, it is the experience they bring to the younger players.

It is about bringing the experiencing as it is the scrummage

power. We are looking forward to that. Let's turn our attention back

to tonight because the second half is almost upon us. The Dragons have

lost eight times in a row to the Ospreys. They had better do

something in the next 40 minutes to stop it from being nine.

The Dragons will be disappointed after conceding a late try at the

end of the first half. A very enjoyable 40 minutes of rugby. Let's

hope we will see more of the same in the second half. They have got to

slow the Ospreys down. A very inauspicious start to the second

half for the Ospreys. A basic error. You don't see it that often from

them. Dan Biggar trying to give the forwards every chance to regain

possession. They had 75% of the ball in the first half with just half a

metre too short. It is all about keeping possession

and just building through the phases trying to create the opportunity. It

will not happen straightaway. Tyler Morgan with good pace. A very good

tackle by Underhill. The first line break and the next thing...

Such a good run like Morgan. A brilliant tackle by Underhill.

Reading skills by Matavesi. But just sums the Dragons. Lovely, lovely

play. Tyler Morgan comes in, a great angle. They just lose the ball.

Tyler Morgan has come from the other side, a lovely ball. He beats

Bierman and there is a knock-on. Two great tackles by Underhill. Matavesi

sorrows and goes. A lovely chap. The two teams starting the second half

where they left off the first and shown great attacking intent.

Dragons deciding to go to ground in the end. Jones looking for space

behind the Ospreys's defence. But is away from Santa visit -- Sam Davies

and away from everybody. Quickly taken though by Davis himself to

Rhys Webb. Brought down by Adam Hughes. Faletau is living at the

moment. That is not good. He is just edging toward the far corner that

doesn't look 100%. Nicky Smith with a great run, dragged down by Harris.

As if they don't see enough of each other in the scrum. Biggar to

Matavesi. He has been on hand so many times in the first three

minutes of the second half. Arhip to Cracknell. It lovely lovely bit of

rugby from the Ospreys. Warren with a brick. Looks to the outside. Amos.

Into the 22. And in the end it is Dirksen who wins the race. That is a

brilliant, brilliant counterattack. I was looking at who was in front.

They just took them on. As the ball goes wide, there is, chasing across.

The forwards inches across because they know they are short on numbers.

Step inside. Unfortunately he wasn't there to support because he fell

over. The only option for him was to kick. Landman did well to get their

blood brilliant, brilliant counter the track by the Dragons.

Scintillating rugby all round. -- counterattack. It shows what they

can do if they keep the ball. They can do this from hardly anything. A

lovely kick by Amos. Fortune favours the brave. Amos gets a second try

for the second week running. On that occasion, Sam Davies is caught out

of position a little bit. A lovely cake. It lovely finish. He is just a

little bit deeper and he puts the kick in. The game, it is through the

hands. A lovely finish. Talk about possible match changing moments. It

is Faletau again. He can hardly walk, he is limping and then he

causes that turnover and from that turnover was the attack. Full credit

to the Dragons. From the touchline. Dorian Jones cannot add any extras

but they are back with a converted try.

We have seen some superb passing by both teams tonight. They needed

that, the Dragons. If Ospreys scored first in the second half, that would

probably be game over. Arhip departs.

Dorian Jones looks to the same corner again. I am not sure how

intentional that was but it was very nicely done by Dan Biggar.

The Ospreys haven't had to deal with too many syllables perceiving. It is

harder to get those passes. We hope at the have time, the Dragons had to

slow the Ospreys and they are trying to do that. They are succeeding at

the moment. A lovely handover from Sam Davies. Dirksen looking for

space behind. Dirksen is there a game. -- again. Matavesi is behind

everybody. Taking. Matavesi slots it through. Dan Evans could see the try

line beckoning in front of them. The touch line beat him first. Lovely

down the short side. Create space for the outside man. Dorian Jones

went for the glory there and stop went the intercept.

That was a great volatile. -- a group headed by Faletau.

Ospreys getting possession in the danger area. Smith calling for more

defenders in the far corner. Bierman would love to get one against the

Dragons. Webb orchestrating events around him. Underhill is ready to

go. Lewis Evans comes in to meet them. Vigour, deep pass to Sam

Davies, over the top. What can. Great feet from a standing start.

Desperate defence from the Dragons. Just about managed to keep them out.

This is real pressure now from the Ospreys. Biggar, Jarvis. There is a

man on the outside. Some Underhill doesn't need him because he gets

over for the Ospreys bonus point try. If what can get a flat pass he

scores, they think. They recycle it again. They are patient. They have

the numbers on the right-hand side. There is one bit of hesitation. For

that split second of hesitation, just watch it. As the ball comes

out, if he hits it there, that is it, he stops the movement. The

moment of hesitation, is the second, he scores. That is it. The two back

row players can get there. He just had to follow through with his

decision. The flat-footed Underhill and standing of allows him to get

the finish. He stands off, misses the tackle and there is a try. That

is what it means to the Ospreys. Being needed maximum points tonight

to keep alive their faint hopes of making the top six. They have been

in Europe every single year in the top tier competition since their

formation. They are in danger of not being there next year. Good ankle

again from Underhill. A lovely delayed pass. Sam Davies runs at the

defenders. He is enhancing his chances of going to England -- gone

to Australia with England. If Underhill catches it it is streaking

up the field. It is a real momentum killer for the

Ospreys. The Dragons are coming back into the game. A crucial score. The

Dragons are just edging possession in the first ten minutes. That has

been turned against the Ospreys. The Ospreys have been using their

possession so effectively. I feel the crowd has gone flat after that

one. Full credit to the Ospreys, it was a nice, controlled play.

Shoulders up, feed underneath. Let's go.

The match being dominated by the Ospreys. Dragons hanging on in

there. They still have some hope. That Beard is offered. -- Adam

Beard. The good is missing from the

Ospreys. -- Lukaku is missing. -- Luke who is missing. Here comes Adam

Warren. Amos as well. Morgan as well. They have been brought down.

Was that legal or not? They are still moving. They are still in

possession. Great play. Eventually they have been forced down.

Underhill did brilliantly there. He was wriggling his way through and he

has got his hands on the ball. Brilliant work from Sam Underhill.

Initially they looked unstoppable. They should ban this. I don't like

it. Some Underhill loses his vote there. Totally legal. Number seven,

he is reaching over. He has come from the site a little bit there. He

did look at the referee and ask. You take the referee in that position

and he played him perfectly. Well done some Underhill. -- you play the

referee. Dragons should either score would get into an attacking

position. Was he on-site or not? They have got to clear him out

either way. They need to get the ball. Charlie Davies replaces

Pretorius. There he is. Joining from the Wasps this season.

Dragons haven't been able to apply enough sustained pressure. It is the

attacks. It is scraps. Unlike the Ospreys who control everything. He

nearly got away then, didn't he? Oh great work by Faletau. He needs some

close support now. Charlie Davies for Dorian Jones. Adam Hughes.

Jarvis gets in there on the act. There are a couple of other games

being played this evening which could have a bearing on places.

Edinburgh are leading 3-0. They are surprise leaders at half-time. The

team leading the championship are losing. Ulster 11-3 in front.

They asked my favourites. If they get a home draw that is a tough

place to go. You want to try to avoid going to Belfast. They

finished their season at the liberty, Ulster.

Up comes Adam Hughes and kicks the ball.

That is a superb kick by Dorian Jones. We have seen some great

attacking rugby but there are no punches being bowled. The tackles

are flying in. He stepped into that. That isn't a high tackle, he has

docked. That is very similar to the one in the first half. I don't think

that is a penalty. It seems that you go anywhere near the top of the

shoulder... You have got to hit the shoulder. If it goes on the neck,

that shouldn't be a penalty. Underhill gets the tackle.

Charlie Davies tries to catch the defence unawares. Landman went for

the miracle ball. But a busy pics of the scraps for the Ospreys. A good

take. Charlie Davies. He is held up. That will be an Ospreys scrum. It

will be just about. If Adam Warren had only spotted shoes outside him.

-- spotted shoes. I think he will be a brilliant

referee I think he will be a brilliant

replaced by another. The new front row for the Ospreys,

with been hiding behind their seats as

both of them went up for that one. A big cheer from the home crowd.

First penalty they have had in a while. Corner.

Fine kick. Sport Wales to follow this evening.

Then the round-up of the weekend's action and an evaluation of where we

are after 19 -- after Round 19 in Scrum V on Sunday. Ed Jackson and

neck Crossrail, the two Dragons replacements. -- Nick Crosswell.

A series of kicks now going the Dragons' way.

Does he release? His hands go past the ball. That is a penalty. Good

decision. I think they will try the driving maul again. It started well

and finished limply last time. So frustrating. Imagine being a coach.

Dan Biggar. Coming back for the line-out knock-on. Dan Biggar has

been involved in a very entertaining, very physical game.

The coaches will be absolutely killing themselves with this.

That absolutely sums it up! Who are the two men in the Muppets?! How

much do they age when things like this happen this season. There was

nothing you can do. When you turn possession over. Good work by Dan

Lydiate. Good pressure. It will be Ospreys

line-out. Dragons really putting up a fight. They have had a lot of

pressure in this area. They need to get something from it.

So much more control, the Ospreys. They are so much better drilled in

that line-out area. Morgan. Hughes. Charlie Davies. Taken on by Nick

Crosswell. More defenders than attackers on

that side. In the end, only found the arms of Gareth Thomas. That was

a lovely slip from Meyer. He hammers home and the Dragons deserve that. I

would like a seedy off-load. Brilliant finish and the brilliant

off-load. -- I would like to seedy off-load. That was so quick.

That is a brilliant off-load and a brilliant finish. Brilliant angle.

What a finish. He is looking at that and he is giving it, you can see it

from that angle. Was that obstruction? That is definitely

knocked forward, if I am honest. It was done so quickly. It is only when

you slow it down. It was a very good hand off.

Brilliant finish. Great angle. He knew where he wanted to go. He

converts his own try. And a converted try again for the Dragons.

Could have been obstruction, could have been forward pass, but it is

seven points instead. A great 12 minutes for the Ospreys. Jonathan

Spratt comes on to replace Owen Watkin. He was limping on the

left-hand side. Good following up again.

Nicely judged kick. Another big hit long by Toby Faletau. In his last

home game. And his father is now in the company of full-scale. A great

man of Gwent, Ebbw Vale fans will recognise him. How emotional has it

been for you tonight? Very emotional for me. And how proud are you of

Toby? Yes, really proud of him and what he has achieved so far. Do you

think he will ever come back to play in Gwent? He has done you proud in

every way. Thank you for your time. A proud dad. Seeing his son's last

home game. For the moment let's see if he comes back here, after the

spell at Bath. Jackson was over it, but the Ospreys arrived. Still no

letup in this game, the charge down by Phil Price. They were fortunate.

It could have gone anywhere. It was a brilliant pick-up. The crowd has

come alive again. It seemed as if that try would have knocked the

stuffing out of the Dragons, but no, far from it. They have got another

scrum. Ulster have extended their lead,

18-3 against Connacht. Fifth against first. The charge down. It is

incredible. You look totally dominant then you have that try from

Carl Meyer, to set up the finish, and it is game on.

Morgan just stretching out. It is only his second game back. And after

his efforts for 71 minutes, Sam Underhill departs the scene. He has

been very influential for those 71 minutes. He put a good big shift in,

didn't he? Big future ahead of him. On comes the openside, Brendon

Leonard. I put Dan Biggar at openside now and Brendon Leonard at

ten. Josh Matavesi, I wouldn't be surprised to see him coming in.

Brendon Leonard is going to pack down at eight in the scrum. Olly

Cracknell has played up inside. -- openside. That is good, that is

perfect, that is. They all want to be Richie McCaw! Faletau. If he

would score the winning try the place would go mad. Harris with the

carry. Charlie Davies. Now, the Ospreys are under a little bit of

pressure. Lovely pass. To Nick card from cross well. -- Nic Cudd from

Crosswell. Play on says the referee. Off the foot of Charlie Davies.

Within a couple of metres. Not a great ball to the scrum-half. They

have lost their shape a bit now, the Dragons. But they have the ball.

Tyler Morgan. Click and go, Faletau, tries to step his way clear. Nick

Crosswell in there, ready. Charlie Davies and Tyler Morgan. I thought

the defender was gone. Brok Harris. Ospreys may have got the bonus point

but they haven't got the win secured yet as the Dragons come at them

again. In goes Ed Jackson to support. The penalty goes to Ospreys

and after 16 phases, Dragons come away empty-handed. Great work from

Rhys Webb initially, to make the tackle. There was a few defenders

there. Good defensive system there. Shoot up the line for the defenders.

Big call, that is, and a big decision.

Nine times this season already Dragons have had a losing bonus

point. You can say do this and this, but this is about intent. The intent

was there from the start, and this is what we have, a brilliant game

with lots of great tries and two sides wanting to play rugby. You

don't want to change anything in the game. It is the intent that is

important. The mindset, even though they wanted the tries, it hasn't in

stupid rugby. It has been really fiercely competitive. And it still

is being contested, so much that the Dragons win the scrum.

These people will be cheering for Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar in the red

of Wales. Contesting for every ball, the Dragons. It is those little

things, tiny mistakes along the way that could have cost them again. All

six players wearing gauged. -- were engaged. The Dragons last win

against the Welsh region was against the Blues on Boxing Day 2014. They

have got just under four minutes to get a converted try to end that

losing streak. They need to secure this first. Quickly taken. Faletau.

The captain leads the way again. Jackson. He's in the hole. He needed

somebody on his shoulder. Davies, under pressure. Rhys Webb really all

over him. That is great defensive work from the Ospreys skipper.

Perfect timing, that is. Comes in on his opposite number. That is where

they need GPS run the off-load. There you go, straight through. Puts

an aggressive track -- tackle in, holding up. Big decision, that. The

clock is against the Dragons. At long last, the Dragons make the

change in the scrum, changing the whole front row and block. What an

effort that has been from the three who are leaving. A big effort from

those three voice. -- boys. Boris Stankovich, and Lloyd Fairbrother

coming on to finish the game for the Dragons. Patch, bind, set! -- touch.

Great scrum by the Dragons. Ospreys just about getting rid of it.

The readjustment, just kept possession there. That is a wicked

bounce. Well taken again. Dan Biggar, right in there. Cracknell.

Puts it on to Dan Lydiate. He takes the hit and sets it up again for the

Ospreys. Jarvis. Time running out now for the Dragons as the Ospreys

keep possession with just 90 seconds to go. Cracknell. They just have to

see the clock down now, the Ospreys. But they have given away the

penalty. And they have got time to go for the touchline, as well.

Not to go to much distance here, they have got to go into touch. Safe

kick. Last role of the dice. For ten minutes in the second half they look

dead and buried. They have had a few issues in the line-out. But the

fight in the Dragons has been evident once again at Rodney Parade.

This time the line-out is secured. The last chance saloon for the

Dragons. Adam Hughes, Rhys Webb gets another good tackle in. And Rhys

Webb the skipper with a couple of late tackles leads his side to

victory. What a battle it's been. The ball safely out of play. It has

been a magnificent game of rugby. Both sides have given it everything.

Another losing bonus point for the Dragons and winning bonus point for

the Ospreys. Victorious by 26-20. They'll be disappointed. Great

performance. By Faletau in his last game here. But Rhys Webb had

tremendous game. But Sam Honourable scored a try, effective, he's my

Guinness Pro12 man of the match. -- Sam Underhill. They will be hoping

that that is not too serious injury with the run-in they have got. Toby

Faletau has given everything in his game at Rodney Parade. He could not

lead his team to victory but they came mighty close once again. It is

a 10th time in the season that the Dragons have had a losing bonus

point. But the Ospreys still have faint hopes. They want to be in

Europe next season. They want to do all they can because they have

secured victory by 26-20 at Rodney Parade. The winning captain, Rhys

Webb, is with Phil. It looked like a cracking game to watch. What was it

like to play in? A typical derby. It was a massive, massive win for us.

And getting the bonus point as well, so let huge result. You need those

bonus points. We wanted to play with freedom and we showed that today. We

look after the ball. To be fair to the Dragons they came back at the

end but credit to the boys, defensively. And this man could have

his last game at Rodney Parade. He has been massive for the Dragons

over the years and they will be sad to see him go, but I want to wish

him all the best. How emotional was that for you if it was to be your

last game at Rodney Parade? We gave what all the result today. I spoke

to your dad about ten minutes ago. He said it was an emotional

occasion. What is it for the rest of the season for you? We have a few

more games to go. We will work on that next week towards our next

game. What about your future? Do you think you will come back to Gwent

one-day? Never say never, I suppose. Well done, you have been a great

credit to the Dragons and Welsh rugby. Good luck. Thank you very

much. A man of few words, as Martin said at half-time. Toby Faletau.

Let's remind ourselves what happened in that second half. He will be

restricted at himself for that missed tackle allowing Sam Underhill

to get under the posts virtually unopposed. Then Carl Meyer took the

forward pass, but a great finish. And at half-time the stats did not

make pretty reading for the Dragons. Slightly better at all time with 63%

position in the end, the tackle count evens itself up although the

Dragons still have to make more than their opponents tonight. Ospreys

making far more carries as well. Automatically they were the deserved

winners this evening. There now is with having jangling quite a bit in

those last five minutes. It means that Ospreys climb one place to

eighth in the table, temporarily above the Blues who will take on

Scarlets in Llanelli tomorrow. The Dragons remain in 10th where they

started the evening. The Ospreys have kept their slim hopes alive of

qualifying for the Champions Cup next season. In many ways it is all

about that man, Toby Faletau playing what is almost certainly has last

game in front of the Rodney Parade faithful. His form never seems to

dip. Wherever he plays, whatever jersey he is wearing, he's an

absolute talisman. He is Wales' most important and best player. His

all-round game is incredible. He gives everything. And the crucial

turnover which got the Dragons back into the game. He's so quick for a

man. He will be sorely missed. The fans will be frustrated again with

the Dragons. You cannot question the heart and commitment of these

players but it is lost line-out and Strom 's knock-on is at crucial

stages of the game. If they can sharpen that up, they have at ten

losing bonus point is this season. Such a frustrating team for the

players and for the fans as well. Job done for the Ospreys. They

wanted a bonus point to keep alive their European qualifying hopes.

Yes, no Justin Tipuric, lots of players missing, lots of experience,

but nine and ten dictated the game with their kicking, their passion,

the tackles. And they led the way the Welsh half-backs. The Pro12 is

criticised a lot for whatever reason but that was a brilliant game of

rugby. Lots of great skill on show and a really good game and a good

advert for the Pro12. Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar controlling things. That

will be pleasing for the Ospreys' back coach. Ross was

will be pleasing for the Ospreys' don't think he is ready yet. If I am

honest. He's still a little bit more, but he will be an

international player, there was no doubt about that. In the Six

Nations, outstanding but it is a smart move by Eddie Jones to get him

on the plane and get him playing for England. Richard Hill is his mental.

You could not ask for a finer mental. Let's go back to Sean and

talk about those two Dragons tries, two very well crafted tries and

Hallam Amos featured quite heavily in both.

They took these two tries really well and came back strong. Amos is

on fire, scoring tries for fun. It shows the modern game, this aspect

of play is where each score. He has a little bite here. This is great

skill from Amos. This chip and chase. He is just a yard off. It is

superbly taken. The fine margins are crucial. If they build pressure, I

said, went through phases, you might get some mismatches. This proved the

case. Alan Travis get blocked a little bit, but he goes for the

second row and a slight hip to the hand was well taken. Too little too

late and they didn't take their chance and it cost them. I spoke to

Amos yesterday as part of the future and we talked about the New Zealand

tour and he was keen to deflect attention away from Wales and talk

about the dragon plus macro season. He is the incumbent, having played

against Italy. He is scoring tries for fun. They must be first choice.

Halfpenny is in the mix as well and the back three. If everybody is fit

and ready you would expect the back of Halfpenny and Williams. He is

definitely knocking on the door. He is still a young man, learning the

game. He is an intelligent runner. He makes mistakes, especially

defensively, but he has a big future and he will be there in New Zealand.

The other two games are still going on. Edinburgh are 17-0 up. It is

18-10 to Ulster. Their opponents are leading things at the moment, top of

the table. Have a minute left. The question is, after tonight, have the

Ospreys recovered from their disc -- defeat to discredit? Can they

qualify or is it still a long shot? I think it is a long shot. The teams

above them are too good and they need real strange results. They will

keep fighting to the end. They have a visa at home and a big game

against the Blues. They finish up at Ulster at home. Never read the

Ospreys off but it is a big shot. Congratulations to the Ospreys this

evening. They came here and completed their mission. They scored

four tries and got the bonus point because the Dragons. 26-20, the

final score. By doing that, they have not only one they made in a row

against the Dragons kept alive their slim, slim hopes of qualifying for

Europe next season. We will see soon.