Ospreys v Zebre Scrum V

The Ospreys have the proudest world-record in the history of

Pro12. Four at times champions. Only Leinster can match that. No one has

bettered it. Last season, their standards slipped. This season, they

want to get back to where they belong. Excellent attack from the

Ospreys! And the Ospreys will be targeting five points tonight as

they kick off the campaign against a team they have never lost two at

home. Good to see that man back after a five-month lay-off, Justin

Tipuric. He will be the voice of experience as Dan Biggar sits out

and plenty of reinforcements on the bench. Rhys Webb and Bradley Davies

among them. Good evening and welcome to the Liberty Stadium and a

brand-new season of Pro12 rugby, pre-season is officially over and

everything from this point onwards is for real. Fair to say this has

been a year of the sporting underdog, Wales reaching the

semifinals of European Championships, Leicester City the

defending Premier League champions and Connacht the defending champions

of the Pro12 and that is not ascendancy of an expected to hear? A

few years ago if you said that you would think you were mad. Connacht

have been outstanding through the season, I thought they would fall

away with the World Cup and all other side is fully loaded but they

were outstanding, they have given the Welsh regions no excuses because

anybody can win this. The Ospreys will be desperate to win this after

if you barren years and Zebre, they have never lost to them at home. Can

you see that run continuing? Definitely, the perfect game for the

Ospreys, the conditions are perfect, against one of the weaker teams.

Momentum and confidence to kick off the season and if you look at the

players not involved, Dan Biggar, Dan Lydiate, looking really strong

this year. Tasty looking squad. It would not be a new series of Scrum V

Live without Phil Steele on the touchline, he will do that all night

and he caught up with the Head Coach, Steve Tandy. Happy new

season, what do the Ospreys have to do this season to improve on last

season? It was an underachievement? We have to start better and the

first six games were a disappointment added put us on the

back foot. We were chasing too much. It is important. The Italian coach

has been involved with both Italian sides regarding conditioning, what

do you expect from Zebre? Always a physical bunch, watching the

footage, they are heavy, there is more conditioning and tone. It'll be

a tough affair tonight. Still some set pieces with Zebre but ultimately

it'll be all about us. Have a good one. We can't talk to Sean, our man

in the truck. Happy new season. As Martin mentioned, conditions great

tonight, the Ospreys looking to get off to a flyer? Good to be back, the

pitcher is fantastic, great night, I spoke to the Ospreys coach and they

want to play with expansion but it can be tight pre-season and you need

the X factor on these nights. Justin Tipuric is back. He has a massive

amount of talent but he also does the things that do not require

talent, we see him in the wide channels, great footwork and

handling skills and he gets over the line. And another one, underrated,

Ashley Beck is back. Great feat for the big man, huge physical

attributes, playing 13, and they want him to provide some width. It

be tough to break Zebre early. But these players at some point will

break down. Thank you for that. Here we go, the Pro12 2016-17 season is

about to begin. The Ospreys are never lost their opening fixture at

home and Zebre have never won the opening fixture at home or away

since joining this league. The omens are pretty good for the Ospreys this

evening. The commentary team is Jonathan Davies and Gareth Charles.

Welcome to the new season from us as well. Not over familiar faces and

names in the pack but the second row, the only one who has not been

packed -- capped. Kurt Baker, the former New Zealand sevens captain.

And Guglielmo Palazzani at scrum-half. The most experienced of

the Zebre pack. The conditions are excellent to greet the Ospreys as

they step out onto the Liberty Stadium for the first time this

season. After disappointment last year, they are certainly looking for

a much better start. And some influential players coming back

after long-term injury. Justin Tipuric in the back row. Olly

Cracknell alongside. Very impressive last year. Ashley Beck, long-term

injury as well. Sam Davies, he will hope to continue where he left off

and Tom Habberfield, his partner, the captain this evening. Paul

James, Rhys Webb, all in back players and a much stronger looking

Ospreys bench. Andrew Brace from Ireland, his 12th game in charge

this evening. The countdown is over. This season is about to start. No

World Cup to bother the start of the season but there is the Lions tour

at the end of it and what a carrot for so many other players that is.

Eighth place, the worst the Ospreys have done last season. They are

looking for a big improvement and a much better start this time.

Tom Habberfield, taken back. Edoardo Padovani, converted to outside half.

Dan Evans. Little bit of blocking and that has worked. The blocking by

the Ospreys players. He pushed forward and made the most of it. An

opportunity for Zebre. Another new signing, the South African. On the

right wing. Lloyd Greeff. Pietro Ceccarelli. As Zebre get

their hands on the ball for the first time. But not keeping their

feet, the first penalty goes for the Ospreys. It will be interesting to

see how Zebre can play, the last ten minutes of the half, Conor O'Shea

has been influential in their preseason, and also, I like the look

of the Ospreys back division. Ashley Beck, he was very unlucky last year.

And I would like to see ten, 12, that working for the Ospreys and

that is the way forward. Ashley Beck. He could not quite free

up his hands in time. Sam Davies, deep pass, quick release

to Justin Tipuric. Sliding the ball into the 22. Bigger. Happy to put

the ball out of play. So good to see Justin Tipuric back in action after

a really nasty concussion during the Six Nations. Early doors. I like to

see two men taking the ball up, the outside runner taking the offender.

When it is organised,... Brushing tacklers aside. Dmitri Arhip. Ten

metres outside. Great standing start from Eli Walker. Nicky Smith in the

action. As the Zebre defence is pushed backwards.

Dan Evans. Gathered and deposited. Kept it alive. Before he hit the

touchline. Ashley Beck. Very prominent in the opening 3.5

minutes. Great hands. From Dan Evans, to keep

that one alive. Nicky Smith. Plenty of possession for the Ospreys early

doors. Penalty coming their way. Kick for nothing from Ashley Beck.

And they will settle into what could be a shot at goal. Looking forward

to this, Martin? This is a good start from the Ospreys and the end

result is probably not what they wanted but Zebre look organised in

defence but they do fall away as well as concentration, it should not

be fitness, their professional or as long as anybody else so this is a

good start. Good fluency and a couple of good Hittites. They are

looking good. If we look at the Zebre defence, if we run this on...

As it comes out... This is what they will try to do. They have done this

a couple of times, rushing out and then they have to target that guy

and work on the inside and outside shoulder. They have done that on a

couple of occasions on both sides, that is what the attacking coach

will be looking at. They have studied their laptops and they get

the message downstairs. Sam Davies gets the first points for the

Ospreys this season. Pressure and territory, keep the scoreboard

ticking over. Demoralise the opposition. We saw trivia so already

giving away the first try against Leinster, 7-0 litres. With five

minutes of the new season we will be questioning the Italians

straightaway! Tough task for the Dragons to start the campaign in

Belfast. Ruan Pienaar's last season. Dan

Evans is through, who can support? Tom Habberfield! Great tackle! From

Gabriele Di Giulio. Still on for the Ospreys. Dmitri Arhip trying to ply

his way over. The ball released back illegally. Another penalty coming

for the Ospreys. That was a great break from Dan Evans and he needed a

superb tackle to prevent Tom Habberfield getting the first try of

the season. Just watch this. What happens is he

throws a dummy, he runs between two Ospreys players, standing each side

of the defensive line. Sam Parry, in control from the line-out. Others

will work from the Ospreys, turn that around. The try may not have

come from open play but it came from the resulting line-out and Sam Parry

gets the Ospreys, their first try of the season.

That was too easy from the defensive line. You can slide back -- cannot

slide back. All of the guys in front are doing hard work and Sam Parry

gets the glory. Really well organised. Good drill, as they say.

Look at the work. He is doing that, down to break. The ball slipped

back. It was too easy, from such a poor defensive line from Zebre early

on to give this opportunity. It is so difficult to stop them once they

have started. Successful conversion. And the

Ospreys have a ten point lead. This is a clever kick. Watch this clever

kick. Stop that. Then, runs in between two Ospreys players. These

players should have gone on the inside but nothing happened. Clever

play from the Ospreys. Poor defence from Zebre.

This could be a long night for Zebre. Giving these penalties away.

All the penalties have gone for the Ospreys. And that is pure pressure,

it is telling even this early on. We can hear from Phil Steele. Martin

said about the new law, Ronnie in the Premiership scored 19 tries from

a line-out catch and drive. I wonder how that will affect him? He will be

going to the Court of human rights to get that put back in! We have

seen that it can still work! It'll be something Ebbw Vale will still be

working on. The object is to make this a fairer contest. Give the

defending side the initial chance to get in and try to get their hands on

the ball. And prevent the driving maul. Still difficult, as Sam Parry

proved. Leading for space behind. Sam Davies dropped back to cover.

The kick is as good as the chase and that chase was dreadful. Olly

Cracknell, lead that back. Rory Thornton in midfield. And Tyler

Ardron, good to see him back. We mentioned Ashley Beck. Lloyd Ashley

as well. They like having five new signings. If they keep their squad

fit, they will go a long way this year. In the Premiership, Cardiff

after a flyer against Newport. -- off to a flyer. Just London Games

blaster, one of them against Zebre and one of them against Leinster.

The Dragons have gone ahead in the King's Fund Stadium. -- Kingspan.

That says it all! And the territory as well. The flag comes up. Four

penalties that Zebre conceded early on. And a needless penalty as well.

Nicky Smith, capped by Wales. Not so Sam Parry and Dmitri Arhip. The

Moldovan international. Interesting to see what Zebre can do

with this ball. They definitely need to keep possession and move through

the phases. Definitely not that. Pietro

Ceccarelli, going into early. They were back ten metres but it has

gone anyway. Off-loading to Lloyd Ashley, straight through! And

straight over! So simple. It was too easy for the Ospreys. Josh Matavesi

initially and Lloyd Ashley with the strength and the reach. In fairness,

the Ospreys did not ask for the reset. Tab and run. Recyclable,

great off-load from Ashley Beck early on. Great finish from Lloyd

Ashley. Brilliant finish. One dummy. Defensively, the centre goes up and

he has too many men outside. It opens up. Just runs over him and

scores. That was a good effort. 100% for Sam Davies. And, again, the

same defensive problem they have, just run this on again. Stop that.

What happens, that is the last man, he should be pushing and drifting to

get this guy up. They have the overlap and they get away with it.

Ridiculous. The restart is deep. Confidence from the Ospreys to have

a go. Josh Matavesi. Direct to touch. Kurt Baker.

He is good to watch. There is no half speed, everything is full on.

Sam Davies, Justin Tipuric midfield. Nice play. Gabriele Di Giulio. Signs

defensively. Dmitri Arhip. Arm in the way from Andrea Lovotti.

We have seen the defence push-up, there is a big gap but just too

strong. It is noticeable from here, you can

see the field and how slow the front five in the Zebre pack are. Tom Ford

to kick compare to the Ospreys. With 15 minutes, you can hardly say they

are tired. But a huge aspect of the game they are really proud, the

Italians. The 22 metre restart. They have to do the simple things well

and build on them, get the defensive line and kicking. Mr tackle. They

are too far and away from each other. They are bursting their guts.

Tom Habberfield, brings in Olly Cracknell. Play on. Recovered from

Sam Parry. Dmitri Arhip once the ball in his hands at every

opportunity. -- wants. The skipper, George Biagi, with the

catch. The drive on. Guglielmo Palazzani. Eventually

taken... Olly Cracknell. And the first penalty of the evening for

Zebre. This will give them field position,

which they have struggled to get. They have kicked every piece of

possession they have got. The first try at the Kingspan Stadium has

gone. To the Dragons! The cross kick and the chase for the new signing.

Howard playing on the wing. And it is as easy as that. It went

unconverted but the Dragons, 8-0 ahead against Ulster. Like Rory

Underwood, he is behind you! With this time of performance

tonight, they might fancy giving him a game in Cardiff on Monday night as

well! -- type of. Again, the Zebre pack is very slow

in recruiting for the restart. It is incredible, 19 minutes have gone and

the second row is walking in to the next phase. You can feel the coaches

tearing their hair out, it is not acceptable at this level.

Olly Cracknell. He had an impressive end to the season.

The 22-year-old. From our juicy. He was a captain at Under 20 level. --

RGC. They cannot afford to do that. Kept alive. Tipped back for Sam

Davies. The second one. Here comes Ashley Beck.

Not much space, here. Olly Cracknell, he gets over the gain

line. Hacked through by Jacopo Sarto. The offside position. I think

he knocked out on. -- knocked that on. Almost ten times as many tackles

made by Zebre in the first quarter. Watching on behalf of Wales...

Possibly on behalf of Alliance. We will find out on Wednesday. --

behalf of the Lions. Guglielmo Palazzani that the ball

was out, but he was wrong. One thing you normally associate with the

Italians is the strong set piece and the strong scrum. We have seen

neither tonight! It is so difficult at the end of the pump and there is

nothing to go to, driving wall or strong scrum. With a good chase at

the moment is... They are really clutching at straws here! All they

can do, the difficulty is keeping their concentration and not sticking

to their systems and not getting overconfident and overcome placated.

The perfect start for the Ospreys. You can afford to get Dan Biggar and

the rest of them the extra week. I do not think this is the perfect

fixture. The whole game is what you want and the weakest teams in the

competition... Gives the youngsters a chance and gives everybody some

feel-good and some momentum at the start of the season. You target the

first game. Preseason, that is all you focus on. When the first game

and then start with a good result. Expecting all bonus points, full

house. We spoke down there, playing

advantage offside. 14 is in high tackle, I need more discipline in

this area. Yes, slow it down a bit. Slow it

down a bit. I think that is high. It was high, but it was not a tackle! I

think he thought, I had better do something. I thought it looked like

a scrum. He has gone berserk now. Let's have a little common sense.

The catch and drive worked the first time. This time, it is Olly

Cracknell who slips it back to Sam Parry. It is the new law, Gareth,

come on! They have to be go Dutch they have to be careful not to go

ahead. Nicky Smith, his temptation to go in front of the ball but he

just held back. The ball cannot go ahead. You have to driving behind

it. It is just a little easier to defend. Ashley Beck turns on the

tackle and it is trying but three. And Beck returns to Ospreys collars

with a try. -- try number three. He has got great feat for a big man. He

is very, very powerful. You could see what he was trying to do and

passed the first defender, he was always going to score. Dummy runner.

A poor misses tackle again and then the full-back, sorry, not the

full-back, the scrum-half. He had absolutely no chance. Once the first

tackle is missed in that area, he missed one on one on his opposite

number. As Marcus said, it you cannot afford to do that. You cannot

afford those mistakes. Against quality sides. This could be very

embarrassing. Yes, big talent, Beck, he just needs a run of games. He got

injured. Hopefully, this season, it could be a really big season for him

because he is a huge talent. Simon Davies keeps up his record, the

opening penalty. And then he converted all 312 macro tries. --

all three Ospreys tries. Walker, not getting a sniff of retries. That is

poor, not sure, are they going long, short, competing for the ball? Just

backing it and nobody knows. They are not tackling the man on ball, it

is not long enough. It is really poor from Zebre. Kurt Baker, former

All Black under 20, he played for the Maoris and he was captain of the

second team. He must be thinking, this is going to be a long season. I

think this was all about keeping their focus, the Ospreys. Playing

their game at their tempo. Not getting scrappy. The scary thing for

Zebre is the bench Ospreys have got, real quality on the bench. They have

said they want to play a faster, wider game and they are looking for

the outside spaces. And they are getting in deep to go through their

repertoire. Cracknell held on halfway. It was

Lloyd Ashley. Habberfield puts the ball downfield. From Baker to Di

Giulio. Plenty of tackling to do, the winger, first time he has had

ball in hand. A little over exuberant. From the Canadian number

eight. He got overexcited, he is dragged by the collar. And he

decided to launch over the top. Well, 12- 04 Cardiff. Suddenly

turned on its head, 15-12 Newport. Let's see what the Ospreys making of

it, we have Griff Greece. You happy you are going wide so far?

Yes, we have the balance in our game, we have kicked 11 times so

kicking smartly and getting counter-attacked and shape. Beck, a

try on his comeback, how important could he be this season? We have

missed him for a fair while and we go through him as the tri- shout.

Thank you. It is good, when it is not on the

run, they kick. Good under pressure. The ball is behind Di Giulio.

Palazzani has the drop on it. Padovani steps in at scrum-half.

Great ball. Greef. Is there a gap behind? No, Dan Evans

on the volley. And he recovers it. Yes, that is interesting. I was not

sure who he kicked it into you, it happened so quickly. The referee

says he kicked it to his own man. They had a crack and they kept the

ball for a couple of phases. Yes, Simon Davies. -- Davies. Sorry, was

it Justin Tipuric? I do not know, close call. A converted try, Ulster,

to cut the lead of the Dragons to a single point. And a second try for

Leinster. See if this, if he did kick it into his own player. Well, I

think it is the left foot if anything of Tipuric. Yes, Eagle eyed

referee, fair play. Good vision. We had the advantage of watching it six

times and he gave it straightaway, well done!

That is the second for Ulster so they go ahead. Kick-off as it was

here at the liberty at 7:35pm so half an hour has gone at the

Kingsbarns Stadium. The first decent scrum Zebre have had.

Offside call against Olly Cracknell. Zebre showing character in these

last minutes. Yes, a little bit. Recycling of the ball, held onto it,

gone through some phases, decent scrum. And now the line-out within

striking distance. Olly Cracknell just up a little bit quickly.

Yes. Half an hour has gone. They make it into the Ospreys 22. Can

they come away with something? Biagi the recipient. D'Apice wants to

emulate the achievement earlier on Parry. Still going, it in danger of

going in front of the ball carrier. That is dangerous. Top try score

last season, one of them. He certainly wants to use it. That is

Bisegni, the centre, trying to drive him over. Short of the line and the

Ospreys when the scrum. Slightly overcooked by Zebre. Yes. Good

defence, they made the early yard is very easy. They reorganised their

defence. Just a bit stagnant, wasn't it? Not

going forward at pace. The counter knowledge on. They dropped it and

that was it. -- nudge. Well defended eventually by the Ospreys, the maul.

That was a missed opportunity by Zebre. First good chance of getting

points on the board. Arhip has carried the ball more than

any player in the opening half-hour. Now the other aspect of his game

when he has to concentrate on locking out that scrum.

Just take a step back for me. Just space. Go again. Let's go.

Short of square one. Crouch. Bind. Set.

This time. The scrum settles. Walker. Down by van Schalkwyk. Yes,

isolated opportunity to get in there. Palazzani forced into come in

from the side. -- macro one. Can they get it right this time? It is

amazing what a bit of possession does for you. And hanging onto it.

It was 6-0 in the penalty count and it is now 6-5. He was having to

defend for long periods, so you concede penalties. That is a much

better drive initially, they got the momentum going. That is far better,

looking good for the Zebre this time, claiming the try. He cannot

quite see for sure. It could well be Simon McDowell's decision.

Can you hear me? Any reason I cannot award the try?

He thinks it is a try, any reason it cannot be all awarded? Looks like

Zebre have got their first try of the evening. And claiming it is

D'Apice. The ball in a very good position. Is

that supposed to be at the back? They can sort that out in half-time.

Was the ball supposed to be at the back? Is that the new law? It does

not have to be right at the very back. But nobody can join in front

of the ball carrier. If they join behind, they are OK.

I have a decision. There is no reason why you may not award the

try. The try is confirmed. Zebre with

their first of the new season for the hooker D'Apice. So a driven

line-out apiece. Padovani wide with a conversion.

That will give Zebre a bit of a lift to get on the scoreboard.

Di Giulio called early. The supporting players make sure the

ball emerges for Palazzani. Try scorer D'Apice. This time, the

clearance kick from the scrum-half to put the ball out of play. I will

give -- that will give them some kind of incentive and hope. They

looked like breaking the Ospreys defence down. They have to try and

get good field position to repeat that. Good off the top ball, that

looked forward. Davies. Palazzani. And with a pass

from outside, giving line-out to the Ospreys inside the 22.

They have got to create their own atmosphere as well now. The crowd

expecting more tries. It might get a little flat, but they have to just

create their own atmosphere and pick up the tempo. They have had a quiet

period because possession was with Zebre and is now an opportunity

before half-time to get it back from Ospreys. Zebre stood off that time

and had not contested the line. It did not engage, it did not want to

give the Ospreys a chance to go for the drive. As it is, that crooked

throw means there will be a scrum anyway.

Last scrum much better, boys, we have to keep that, understand? 2.5

minutes of the first half remaining. Cracknell just getting to grips.

Both players could have been penalised. There is no binding. A

little argument. Sorry, boys, I think there is a

scrum going on there! A personal scrum going on there as well!

American football, that! That is another one. Enron changed

this year. Number eight not allowed to get the ball out of the tunnel.

They are so static, van Schalkwyk thought he had to do something. Put

your foot on it. Treviso have got a try like Zebre, still trailing.

Can the Ospreys wrap up the bonus point? Before half-time. At the

tail, Tipuric. A warning to get out of the way as they try to get the

drive on. The try has come indeed and so has the bonus point! A second

Parry, a fourth for the Ospreys and the job is done on the stroke of

half-time. Last year, they started poorly with the defeat. A great

opportunity with this fixture to start with a bang. And that is what

they have done. The first half, they got the bonus point up. There you

are, it is easy. No difference whatsoever. -- defence. Straight

through the middle, Sam Parry. Lovely low body angle. Crawling on

his knees, but he was not held, except by Arhip. So can he round off

the perfect half for himself and for the team?

Sam Davies has not missed a kick, the Ospreys have not missed a trick.

Bonus point wrapped up. Sam Parry is started it, Sam Parry finished it.

And with Ashley Beck in between, at half-time, the points in the bag.

31-5. Tom Habberfield, well done as first

appearance as captain of the Ospreys, bonus point, it must have

been the team talk! A man of few words but the boys have dug in and

done what we wanted to do, it is putting the second half to bed now.

That is the plan, go all out? We are just going to keep going and going

in the second half. Well done, thanks for your time.

The Ospreys said they wanted to start with a bang and they wanted

five points, they have that in the bag before the second half has even

kicked off. Sam Parry first from a rolling maul and Ashley showing

great pace and is determined finish for the big man. And then it was

Ashley Beck making a long way and bundling his way over the line from

close range. Zebre got back in and barely had a sniff in the first

half. But D'Apice doing what Sam Parry did at the other end, but Sam

Parry said, whatever you can do, I can do it twice. Ospreys already

have the bonus point in the bag and look at those statistics, it

illustrates what has been a very one-sided first half. 327 metres

made, 67 to Zebre. Game line success, 32-6. And it is where you

get half-time with one team is so dominant. 77% for the Ospreys.

Martin, it really has been totally one-sided. There was a five-minute

spell towards the first half were Zebre got back in but all the right

noises were made. About how the sides would improve in Italy, Zebre

and Treviso, we have not seen that. Credit to the Ospreys, they have not

made many mistakes and been clinical with opportunities. They are a team

that looks well drilled and organised against a team that is

disorganised and fit which is an amazing thing to say for the first

40 minutes of the season and you get one-way traffic. I mentioned, look

at the bench of the Ospreys. Greece Webb, Dan Baker, Bradley Davies, big

boys who can come on so disappointing first half was up.

Yes, heavyweight reinforcement. And we should give credit to the

Ospreys. Interesting points made by Griff Greece, they have had the Lion

share of possession and playing with words but making the right choices.

They have kicked the ball 13 times and not just throwing it around.

They are playing in the right areas and it took half an hour for Zebre

to be in their 22. It shows they can score if they get up there. Playing

tactically well, Sam Davies has been sublime. Do not underestimate

Habberfield who is really emerging, as captain. The young players of old

now maturing, they have experience and they are producing the goods.

Yes, Zebre are poor but very few mistakes from the Ospreys so far.

Before the game, you picked up Tipuric making a return in the

Ospreys jersey. Influential in the first. It might look like I know

what I am talking about but I know these players from a younger age I

thought it would be interesting to show what Justin Tipuric does from a

set piece. His job is to go to the first tackle contest and he pulls

back here. At ten, Matavesi steps up. That is Beck and that is

Tipuric, moved from the initial phase play. Great to see them

hooking up, good skills and footwork and given space. Beck goes to the

tackle contest and Tipuric play scrum-half. They have these X Factor

things. They can play in the wider channels and subtle footwork and

off-load from Beck to create space for Ashley to get his stride. A lot

of players would smash into the defender, they used good footwork

spin to score. They missed him, quality player. Swivel of the hips,

something we we used to seeing when he was a mainstay in the side.

Tipuric, as a former number seven, he has every trick. Yes, he could

easily play in the centre, 12, 13, 15, he is that much of an athlete

and has that much skill and win the game is open, he thrives on that.

Fantastic to see him back because he did have a serious injury in Italy.

He does the other things well. Because he is so good at the other

stuff, you forget how good he is at the tackle, defence, so openside. I

am going to tackle -- to tap into a knowledge of the new laws. The Sam

Parry try, there have been two tries already tonight and the Sam Parry

try shows these new roles in action, they are supposed to give the

defending side helping to defend in a rolling maul, that did not help.

This is sublime. A lovely corridor created here by Matavesi. This is

known by the full-back Dan Evans. The defence is now disorganised,

behind, and this is about patience. They get the penalty and it results

in Davies going for the corner. The new law suggests you cannot allow a

long placement from the capture. And Cracknell has to say really close

and state next opponent. The arriving players, the ball has to be

transferred and they cannot stay back. And the arriving players

cannot go beyond. They do this technically very well. Even Pontins

does go beyond. And technically, it is a very good try. Two things,

Martin. The long presentation and the fact that the ball carrier

cannot slide back between the bodies, it has to be passed back.

Tell us why that should make it easier for the defending side. It

should make it easier to defend because when you have players flying

past the ball carrier, it creates momentum easier than slipping the

ball back. The Italians have not sat there. If the man going in to take

the ball from the dump is connected, you can pull the man down and it

collapses the maul. It is supposed to make the driving maul easier and

there have been three tries that way tonight. A new law comes in and

there are always ways around it, coaches will be trying to work that

out on the laptop. They have executed the driving maul well.

Another Welsh region in action tonight, we sought the Dragons went

ahead against Ulster, Pat Howard on his Dragons debut with the opening

try, 8-0 the score. Ulster have struck back, Jacob Stockdale

Crossing for the home side, coming off the bench and drop a little

getting a second. 12-8 the Kronen score. But signs of early promise

from the Dragons, who are allegedly going to play a new style the season

after realising they have not got the pack to mix with the heavier

packs in the league and playing with more pace and not a bad scoreline at

half-time. It will come good in the second half. It will be a tough year

for the Dragons and they have to try something because they are always in

the lowly element of the Pro12. Kings -- they have a fresh

challenge, new players, not the big players of the other regions. They

have to make it difficult. It's to win and get their weak points that

way. Dragons playing tonight, and Scarlets and the Blues inaction over

the weekend and a lot more Pro12 rugby coming your way.

Tomorrow night the Blues open their campaign against Edinburgh and on

Sunday I am joined by Martyn Williams and Jonathan Davies,

analysing the action from round one and finding out how torturous the

preseason regime has been for the Dragons. We came in nine weeks ago.

Training real hard on the field. The main priority was getting big and

strong. Later on Sunday, watch every minute of the action from the

Scarlets season opener against Munster.

Plenty more fixtures to look forward to. An intriguing season in store

for the Blues. Danny Wilson beginning to enact his vision? Some

cracking signings and that has become an emerging weapon? Seventh

place last season, nearly the top tier of Europe and if you look at

the squad on paper, it is not far off one of the best in the Pro12,

his new players, Nick Williams, he has had a big impact, he can be a

one-man wrecking ball. Anscombe can be a great player and the rest, the

parts are all there. Ellis Jenkins, the captain, no surprise? He was in

the academy and I was playing and he has a huge future. So many in the

back row. They have strength and depth and the second row would be a

question for me, they need the second road to really step up.

Morgan, they have signed as well. He could be exciting. So many

top-quality names. One of the signings of the year is off the

field. Matt Sherrod, the back attack coach. Very shrewd, the players like

him. And a good foil for Danny Wilson. And the Scarlets, Sean

Martin says the Blues are arguably one of the best squads in the league

but they Scarlets will have the best backline with Rees joining Jonathan

Davies and John Iain McNicol joining from the southern hemisphere. Tasty

looking back row. And Scott Williams. They played a lot of

season -- last season without him. Tough season with Europe, the Pool A

stuff, whether that pack can cope to get this apply to that talented

backline but it is one of the best if not the best backline in the

Pro12. Jonathan, plenty to be positive about, can the Welsh

regions do better than last season when the Scarlets were the only ones

to qualify? I think so, still a difficult battle with the

international matches. Maybe they don't have the strength in depth of

the other squads but I think Cardiff have signed, the Blues have signed

fairly well and not as many Internationals have been taken away.

It is the execution and being clinical in execution, they can lose

by a few points and that has made a huge difference at the end of the

season so I feel they have to emphasise the home advantage and if

they are in with a shout in the last few minutes, they have to close

down, that has been the problem with a lot of the regions. Just execution

being clinical and making the most of the opportunities. The Ospreys

have made the most of their opportunities tonight. They have the

bonus point in the bag. 31-5 at half-time, what do they do in the

second half to ensure they finished this clinically? The senior players,

night, and not on the park, keep relaying those messages. They are

hungry bunch, they will want to come on for the first game, just keep

doing what they have been doing well and do not overcome the good things.

With such a big lead, some players might do things they should not be

doing. Zebre will tie right. -- tire out. Just keep doing what they have

been doing, the Ospreys. 31- at half-time. Both teams on the pitch,

Sam Davies will get things under way for the second half. Can the Ospreys

really punish Zebre in the second half.

Important to start well. And keep going as well. Because the prized

bonus points can make the difference, it could be very

important at the end of the season. We have seen in previous years how

tight things can be. People get squeezed out at the last moment. As

the Scarlets know only too well. I think they started well in the first

half and they ended well. There was a lull when possession went to

Zebre. But start the same and the same defensive line. They did well

to hold the ball. Taken by Jacopo Sarto.

Charged down by George Biagi and he gets the hack on as well. Eli

Walker, at the second attempt, gets the ball back for the Ospreys. He

has done well there. Right on the touchline. For June making the

carry. -- Rory Thornton. Clear into the hands of Giulio Bisegni. The

trial has not been given. The tackle was complete. Federico Ruzza is

denied. Is no such as double movement? You have to place the ball

immediately and he obviously did not. We will have an at this. I hope

that Eli Walker is OK. Somebody fell on him. Let us have a look. He has

done. -- he is dying. That is definitely not immediately.

-- 31down. And there is a letter for the Ospreys. And disappointment for

Zebre. They are a bit loose. Straightout. Taken back in. Little

bit sloppy to start. Cardiff have drawn level in a real ding-dong

match. Andries Van Schalkwyk, it takes

three to bring him down. The first time we have seen him on the run.

What was that? There we are. I thought you were clearing her

throat! Or there was a wine gum stuck in your throat!

The referee was on a tour of South Africa in 98 with Wales, the

disastrous tour. One of the games was in Vandevelde Park. I was there.

Under 20 international. The influence of the benches...

Might be a big ask for them as well. He can play anyone in the back five

in the scrum. As you said, with Ashley Beck comment back, they are

like new players. Six Nations time, you will not lose Tyler, those

players are invaluable. He is a fantastic athlete. Still only 25.

He has one a sidestep! There is great YouTube footage of him.

Gabriele Di Giulio. He felt that he had managed to break

free of the tackle but, no, Andrew Brace is Eagle died this evening,

fair play to him. -- Eagle died. -- eyed.

Tyler Ardron. Eli Walker in from the blind side. Taken by Tommaso

Castello. Another penalty. They started the

second half a lot better than the first and then a string of penalties

and you think, they are just putting themselves on the back foot. It is

pointless, the Ospreys are not going to go for goal, this is a waste of

time, they have the bonus point, just pile it on. That was a great

kick as well. Great kick. He has made the tackle, they just have to

make more of an effort to get away. In fairness, Maxime Mbanda had that.

It was just the laziness of the front row boys. At least look as if

you are making an effort to get away. Sam Davies really went for

that one. Carlo Canna, 12 caps for Italy,

comes on. He tries to keep control and he has done. That is a hat-trick

for Sam Parry. What an evening this is turning out to be. The top try

scorer in the Pro12. The hat-trick for that man. The new law was

supposed to make it more difficult to score from driving line-outs. But

other teams defend better than Zebre. You get all the plaudits and

his name in the papers. All the hard work has been done in front of him.

Good long ball. Man of the Match? He started more brightly, Zebre. But

a couple of needless penalties. And another point conceded. Changing the

front row. For the visitors. Dario Chistolini on the tight head for

Pietro Ceccarelli. That is what I like. There is nothing on. Tell you

what, kick the ball, good kick, kick it again, better field position.

Unbelievable. It is a shame we don't have a

picture of the pitch, the Ospreys forwards, chasing the ball, it makes

a huge difference to the team when the front five and that slow. -- are

that slow. Cracknell. That was a brave tackle by Maxime Mbanda.

Dmitri Arhip. Sam Davies, over the top. Dan Evans. That was the Maori

sidestep from the Fijian. Great hands, Rory Thornton. Tyler Ardron

on hand as well. This is good stuff from the Ospreys. That was a loose

pass. That was a knock-on. He kicked that. And there he goes. Going

straight. The off-load. Cracknell. Tyler Ardron. Justin Tipuric on the

left wing. Bigger. -- Dan Baker. Strange to see him in

these colours. He has swapped the black of the Wasps for the Black of

the Ospreys. Bradley Davies, back in Wales. Fantastic signing for the

Ospreys. When I'm 50 Welsh caps. You would expect very big games with

himself and Jones. Fabulous player. -- Alun Wyn Jones. When the second

rows are way, there is adequate cover. Tom Habberfield has a go.

Davis, to Evans. Eli Walker. Giulio Bisegni is there again. Walker has

not had much time to shine tonight. They are closing down very quickly.

Stinger after that tackle. They go down that wing again. They will play

for the overlap. Ashley Beck. Dan Evans could not

take that on behalf of all day. Down on his toes. The Dragons, after the

early lead, went behind in the first half. In Ulster. The beginning of

the second half, the Ulstermen have got another one. Ruan Pienaar

charges down the kick. There was too much time. Too much time. He makes

the point by tapping his badge as well. His agents will be rubbing

their hands together. He becomes a free agent after this year because

of the rule in Ireland, they cannot re-sign him for Ulster. He turned

down a move for Toulon to stay in Ulster. He will pick up a club. He

will not be short of offers, wonderful player. The Dragons might

come for him. Treviso staying within touch of Leinster. Tight game.

Cardiff, 22-22. Very few scrums have gone down this

evening. They have been good. The new front row, you find out a lot,

the new front row comes on. Paul James and Ma'afu Fia. You have to

give some plaudits to the referee because he did referee very quickly

to give the free kicks, not messing about.

The replacement hooker, the 36-year-old Carlo Festuccia. Up to

Tommaso Castello. Carlo Festuccia. That was held up.

That was good defence from the Ospreys.

Ben John comes on and Ashley Beck, the try scorer, returning to action

for the Ospreys, 53 minutes of rugby under his belt and the appreciation

of the Liberty Stadium cried... He has a nasty cut, Justin Tipuric. He

is not happy, he does not want to come. That will take a couple of

stitches. After what he has been through, with the concussion. And as

he departs, Dan Baker comes on. Justin Tipuric not happy, the

suggestion may be that there was a punch involved. We will see whether

Aurwel Morgan wants to look at something... Yes, Paul James was

penalised for impinging on the loosehead side. The Ospreys have

lost momentum in the last five or six minutes. That is two penalties

and they have both just come on. Just to add to the front row, we

have a couple of collapses, let us get another prop on there as well ex

back this is the incident on Justin Tipuric. This left him bleeding.

That is have a little look... Let us look at this angle. This is the

angle, isn't it? He caught him with the back of his hand. More damage to

your arrest than your hand! Rubbish punch! Replaced by Andrea De Marchi.

-- tenth -- wrist. Eli Walker and Ashley Beck, they can gel and work

together. That was a good tackle, look at that. Powerful as well.

15 tackles missed. Dan Baker with his first carry. Spread very wide.

The little shift from Josh Matavesi. Step then well. That was a good run.

George Biagi in support. They will be wandering back! That

was a great chase from the Ospreys but they forgot to make the tackle!

Carlo Festuccia misses. George Biagi picks it up. Two passes.

Watch out! We have seen Cardiff and Newport having a ding-dong battle

busy filling in the Premiership, so that will not make... What are his

choices for the weekend? Rhys Webb. Rhys Webb, and the skipper, Tom

Habberfield, has done a good job. Making his Ospreys Debbie... Hugh

Gustafson. And he takes the place of the hat-trick hero, Sam Parry.

Bodies all over the place. Very untidy. There is no momentum

whatsoever. Just so poor at clearing out.

Let us hear what Phil has in store for this weekend. We have heard all

about Cardiff and Newport, big day in the revamped Premiership

tomorrow, up to 16 teams, back to the 5-point try, four neutrinos,

North Wales, Ebbw Vale, Merthyr Tydfil at Crosskeys and Swansea,

great to see them back, at home to Carmarthen. And on Sunday, Ebbw Vale

and Llanelli, my guide is in Division one, east Central, and

other Zebre, Ospreys clash, the Welsh zebras, coached by former

Ospreys. And Andrew Bishop. At home to Porth. That is a real Derby. They

will want to put the divots back into the players after the pitch --

rather than the pitch after that match! Rhys Webb. That is the

danger. Sam Davies, looking for space.

Giovanni Pettinelli has just come on. Dan Biggar. -- Dan Baker. He has

made an impression in training, I was talking to the Ospreys camp and

they have been quite impressed with Hugh Gustafson.

Thornton. Rhys Webb. Lovely ball from Sam Davies, to Ben John and he

finishes in style. That is a lovely try from the Ospreys. Rhys Webb,

Casey as ever, beautiful little inside ball from Sam Davies,

straight finish from Ben John. Rhys Webb started with his little break,

we can see him in shot, that cute little support line but I great

finish from Ben John. He had a really good season last year, such

great versatility, Wayne, Centre... -- wing.

Five conversions and a penalty... And adds another one. Just watch

this again, I'd say -- think they have been working in the

off-season... Running on and on. Stop it, the first one to get the

ball, that is the block on this band. Watch this silly. That is the

block, he gets through, the referee in front, great finish but they must

have been doing some training in the summer! They have done very well

tonight, the Ospreys. Coaches will be complaining about that in future

games. Very nice block. He is very good with that. He just got in the

way, he does not have to get out of the way. Sam Davies -- Sam Davies

has spotted Ben John. Have they used up the remainder of their bench?

Valerio Bernabo is on for the captain and Fabio Semenzato is on

for scrum half. Davis tries to get onto the charge.

-- Bradley Davies. In amongst the forwards, releasing the ball past

Sam Davies but the advantage has been played anyway.

Valerio Bernabo has come on to replace George Biagi and has taken

over the captaincy. Not exactly a lengthy word to his team!

Stitched up, patched up... Justin Tipuric. Rory Thornton is making

way. Tyler Ardron into the second row. With Bradley Davies.

So a chance to clear. And I think that the Ospreys coach is listening

in as well. He has not found touch, so we will carry on for the moment,

Canna. Oh, no, here we go. Another chance for them to show that

attacking metal. Sam Davies. He is fixing that defence, really having a

go. That is an interesting battle at ten. He does take the ball to the

line and he commits defenders. Ardron. It has been a long night for

the Zebre already and they still have almost 80 Minister defends --

to defend and defending is what they are doing in this half -- almost 20

minutes to defend. Change of tactics this time from Sam Davies. He has

not called for The Queen catch, has he? He wasn't going to put out for

that to chase them, Hassler. A knee in the back Hassler piled on. They

are saying it may be worth a look. It looked like he wasn't pulling

out. He does get a knee in the back. That is full speed, he is not trying

to do that, that is just one of those things. I think Andrew Brace

agrees with that. Yes. Unfortunate and very, very painful, but not a

penalty. Completely accidental, yes. Contact sport. Do you think he

called afterwards? He had a mark. He doesn't break stride. Having a

look at the big screen. Looking at the big screen, it is not coming up.

He did call the mark. Mark! It is time. The ball does go out.

Free kick, though. Ben John, wide outside, takes the

tackle. The missed tackle count is really going got for the borough.

Yes, Matavesi is penalised here, could not help himself. I think

Andrew Brace is having a really good game tonight. Yes. He has done the

bread and butter stuff. Yes. It is too far away. He did not need to do

it, did he? In his defence, EC the number seven. Brad? You think he is

going to compete -- you see. Griff Rhys, sorry to keep you hanging on,

the object was to keep ongoing after half-time, two tries in 24 minutes,

happy with it? Yes, reasonably, disappointed in the last ten of the

first half, we were poor in the tackle area and invited pressure on

ourselves and they took the five points, before the half-time talk.

Have you been working on those clever locks pre-season? Just some

subtleties. Trying to influence defenders and playing with more

width. So playing like that, you ask more questions as well. Yes,

enjoyable to watch. You will have to work on something else over the next

few weeks, cheers for that! Canna. But hit. Straight in by Ben John. --

a good hit. Rhys Webb. Back on the Zebre side. Could he make it more

obvious? Quarter of an hour remaining. Six

tries to one, the try count. The Ospreys want more.

Has not put a foot out of play this evening, Sam Davies. His dab is here

as well keeping an eye on him. -- doubt. Dashes father.

Straight over to Festuccia. Well taken by Di Giulio. Bake it in the

tackle trying to hold him up, but the ball is there. -- Baker.

Festuccia again. Pettinelli making sure the ball does come back again.

Van Schalkwyk not quite sure what was going on and I'm not sure Carlo

Canna was either. Yellow card. Well, that is going to make a difficult

challenge all the more so. For the remaining 14 minutes. Keep the

defence is what he said. It is Boni who has paid the price. Yes, Bradley

Davies knows what he is doing, putting him into the ruck. Tipuric

takes... Not sure if you are in front of

their a game, OK? Support left, not sure, OK? -- in front again.

Crouch! Bind! Sit! Stay there. Holding the ball up saying it is

impossible for him to feed the scrum because there was too much movement.

Square and steady, together. Take the hit. Wait for the ball.

Crouch! Bind! Rob Little has got another four

Ulster as they go clear of the Dragons. It is tough for the

Dragons, probably the perfect home game to start the season for the

Ospreys but no more tough a place than Ulster. Treviso staying within

bonus points distance at Leinster at the moment. Defending better than

Zebre, then! Baker. Trying to get forward to the

target. Davies. Cleaned out by Tipuric. Rhys Webb has a try from

their and to Ben John timed his run but could not hold it. Good

opportunity for the Ospreys. A nudge on now. It is 45-5 but you can see

this lovely off-load. Just doesn't get his hands on it. Just an

opportunity to have a crack at them and disrupt their scrum. You knew

that Rhys Webb would have a go and Ben John followed him all the way.

Three Ospreys wingers. They have come away from their wings which is

good to see, looking for work rather than staying on the wing and waiting

for the ball. So hard to defend when a winger comes off his wing in a

tight line. The hooker striking, old score. Di

Giulio will not thank him for that. He has done well just to keep hold

of it. Mbanda. Long pass out to the wing where Palazzani is lurking and

happy to hoof it downfield. The ball out of play and Dan Evans can't

gather it even if he wanted to gather.

Phil has company. Talking about Swansea back in the Premiership. I

am with Keith, manager director of Swansea. How you looking forward to

being back in the Premiership? Very much so. Two years of hard work in

the championship. Really looking forward to getting back into the

Premiership. Meeting some of the old acquaintances. At Carmarthen,

Malcolm, how important is it as a former Whites play that the names

Swansea is in the top tier of club rugby? Great tradition and

historical stuff and you are sad when they go out of the league.

Unlucky not having a cap for Wales but Clough is back in the fold.

Easy. Congratulations and happy retirement, by the way. I will have

him on the golf course next. Great to see boys, and Keith.

Competitive, these boys. It never leaves them. Lovely football player

and I tried to avoid keep when I was playing. He is a very good golfer.

Cardiff have just picked it late on against Newport in a game that went

one way and the other back and forward. Cardiff have squeezed it

25-22. Great position. Ospreys. Especially

with Zebre missing one player. Matavesi, Sam Davies. Yes, very well

played. Dafydd Howells comes across and he is swamped. Not enough pace.

They kept their depth and he could have gone round the one defender.

Directness from Olly Cracknell. The ball has slowed down. Gustafson

weights and he gets it. Tipuric. Simon Davies. Dan Evans. Held by

Pettinelli. Cracknell again. Still, the Ospreys press on. After

ten phases, they are keeping their patients. Simon Davies. Flying up

with a speculative pass and he leaves the break-out. It is hooved

downfield. Just when they lost their patience, the Ospreys lost the

opportunity. It has opened up for Dan Evans. Rhys Webb with him, it

goes the other way, the cross kick, was he in front, Rhys Webb? Dafydd

Howells was not and he gets try number seven! Not the way they had

planned it but they will take it anyway. It just sums up their broken

defence, Zebre. Dan Evans just picked a gaping hole, look at that

defence, shoddy defence. It is good play. There is an injured guy on the

floor. I think Rhys Webb was sniffing but Dafydd Howells gets to

it. The try that takes the Ospreys up to 50 points in their opening

match of the season. Sam Davies adds yet another two, he

has not missed a kick all evening, 52-5. Jonathan, Man of the Match? I

think that Davies, Sam Davies as had a very good game. He is up there.

Also, Ardron. If a hooker scores a hat-trick, there he is, Sam Parry,

he has been #ColourYellow that he has been off the field. I have to

give it to him. I have to give it to him because that doesn't happen very

often. It would have been a bit tight not to! I don't think he is

but I have to give it to him, he has got three tries. Great work by Rhys

Webb again, Bradley Davies with a little goal. Palazzani under

pressure finds Carlo Canna. There is little Zebre can do but just try and

buy some time. The Ospreys want more. Dan Evans a game, straight

running. Advantage being played in their favour. Matavesi, Ben John,

Ardron. Tommaso Boni is waiting to come back

on, another ten seconds or so. This has been a stroll in the park. It

has been just like a training run for the Ospreys. They have gone

through their moves. After getting some early tries, getting in a

comfortable position. Another bit of repair work for the

Ospreys medical team. That will allow 83 macro to come back on.

Zebre up to 15. -- Tommaso Boni. Confident display for this young

man, Sam Davies. Good season last year. Yes, very good season.

He failed to complete the line-out. The Ospreys. Disappointing thing.

Against better sides, that could be crucial. He hooved that up midfield.

The pack of Zebre is grazing. They almost have too much time on it, the

Ospreys. Not being challenged at all. James, to Ma'afu Fia. Rhys

Webb, so dangerous around the fringes. In steps Dafydd Howells.

Gustafson. Into the Zebre 22. Here comes the ball again for Rhys

Webb. On the angle. Matavesi. Dan Matt Baker as again, the Ospreys

rack up the phases. They need to keep their shape and another one is

coming and it is another 465 macro and the Ospreys kick of the season

with eight tries. That is lovely play -- another for Ben John. Look

at the balance. The off-load. Watch, step. Off-load, easy finish. He

comes on and his two tries from lovely passes. Good support work on

the shoulder. Yes. Step inside, he runs at the prop and he beats his

arm. Zebre will be hoping that some Davies takes another 30 seconds with

the conversion. Or else it will be another restart. No messing from

Davies. His tally goes 90. The Ospreys up to 59. An absolute

hammering. One thing as a professional player you can do is

organise your defence. That has been absolutely nonexistent for the Brits

night. I have really enjoyed the flare and the approach of the

Ospreys -- nonexistent for Zebre tonight. They might not be finished.

The Ospreys, have they decided to take a breather now? Yes, they have.

There is a certain symmetry about the Ospreys opening performance of

the season, four converted tries in the first half, four in the second.

Just an early penalty from Sam Davies to add and it is job very

well done to kick of the season. That was comprehensive. It was also

meant against boys. Very, very comfortable start for the Ospreys.

After the disappointments of the losing run last year, they have got

off to a flyer this time, eight tries, beating Zebre by 59-5. Man of

the Match Sam Parry is with Phil. Richard is presenting the Guinness

Pro12 Man of the Match medal. Nicky Walker did it, Gavin Henson, Shane

Williams, Tommy Bowe, you are the first ever Ospreys forward to score

a hat-trick, how does that feel? Yes, it is good. Harry Tector, much

credit to the try, the boys up and gave me the platform -- calorie

taker. And they were done under this new law change. Is that something he

practised? Yes, we have worked hard over the Summer on making the

driving maul a weapon so good to see first game we have got positives

from it. A hat-trick, will you get a stern letter? Yes, there will be

stick already but that was good. Next week, Connacht is a different

kettle of fish? Yes, different ball game, it is a tough place to go but

looking forward to the challenge. First Osprey to score a hat-trick,

told the grandchildren! Thank you. Quite a remarkable achievement for

Sam Parry, what a night for him. His hat trick tries the Ospreys in

motion in the second half, bowling over from this rolling maul two

minutes into the second period, giving him three and the smile on

his face said it all. And then looking impressive from the bench

tonight, Ben John, for the sixth try of the game. Rhys Webb showing pace

and vision to set up Dafydd Howells and Tipuric as he has been

throughout the game exemplary. With the eighth and final try of the

night, Ben John. Sam Davies with a 100% kicking record, 90 points,

converting all those tries. 76% possession. Overwhelming result on

the scoreboard and the statistics. Before we speak to the boys, we can

hear from Steve Tandy. Excellent win, bonus point, no

injuries, that could not have gone better. Good start, a couple of

things we need to tidy up next week but good start at the Liberty. A

word for Sam Parry? Good to get a hat-trick and the drive tries were

pretty decent and we need that for next week. How difficult is Connacht

going to be and how different? I think it will still be an open game,

the way they play, we will be positive going in. But they are the

champions and it is a tough place. This game is set up to be really

positive next weekend. At the start of the season last year, that under

due, how important was tonight? Yes, much better off with five points

than we did after six games last year so a decent start but we have

to get ready for next week. He will be very happy, that is a job

very well done, 59-5, overwhelming score for the Ospreys. What can you

lead into it? Zebre were not the best. Nice to see Steve smiling! His

face is much better when he smiles. You can't lead anything into Zebre,

they are poor and have continued where they left off last year.

Ospreys very clinical and without errors. They put phases together and

they looked like they knew what they were doing. Young men put up their

hands and experienced players got good game time. Bradley Davies made

his debut, Rhys Webb is fit and raring to go and very impressed.

That was the pleasing thing, we taught at half-time with a sometimes

with such a big lead in the first half you can slip off the pace and

gone off the boil, but no sign of that. No, they mixed it up well and

went wide, Sam Davies had a great kicking game. And Rhys Webb. Very

positive. Steve Tandy has alluded to Sam Parry, a different challenge in

Connacht next week. Really positive start for the Ospreys. Great tries

in the second-half, and the pick of the bunch is Ben John and Rhys Webb

showing class in the build-up. Ben John showed a lot of pace and guile

and this was a great key -- team try. He carries here and the Ospreys

know whether you're going into position. Good carry and good clear

out and look at where Ben John comes from. It is caused by the threat

from the outside. Sam Davies squares up and the defenders have to go for

him. There is a block by Rhys Webb but the angle allows Ben John to get

away from the two defenders. Great team try and it shows they know what

they are doing and they have depth. Absolutely. Let's check on the final

score from the Kingspan Stadium. The Dragons went 8-0 up during the

Ospreys game this evening but it was one-way traffic after that. Rob

Herring with the final try of the game, the fifth try for Ulster as

they cruised to a 29-8 victory at the Kingspan Stadium. No joy for the

Dragons in Ulster but going back to tonight's game, a comprehensive

performance for the Ospreys, they got five bonus points, they will be

delighted with that. What kind of a challenge is Connacht, it is always

a difficult place to go but now they are the champions? Yes, they have

lost a lot of players, though. Robbie Henshaw. It is a new

challenge. But the Ospreys love going away and they will be the off

-- they will be the underdogs and they will thrive on that. They

looked really well organised. It is against a poor Zebre team but they

went well pre-season in Leicester. They will not be daunted. We taught

in recent seasons about the depth of some of the Welsh squads and they

have been thin in terms of back-up. Look at the bench tonight and think

of the guys coming back like Dan Lydiate, Alun Wyn Jones, this squad

is looking quite meaty. Yes, and it comes from last year, blooding

youngsters. We haven't mentioned Olly Cracknell, a lot of players

haven't played. But Sam Parry and Sam Davies have stepped up.

Habberfield lead the side. They have a tradition of bringing on

youngsters and they continue to do it and it will be promising. It was

a poor Zebre side but they have the bit between their teeth. Thank you

for coming tonight. And thank you for watching at home. That is all we

have time for one Scrum V tonight. Ospreys have their season off to a

flyer. Different proposition next week, they travel to Galway to face

the defending champions. We will see you in a week and we will see you on

Sunday as well, Scrum V.