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The Blue and Blacks will be looking to make it their fourth consecutive victory in the SRC after they regained top position with a 44-22 win over Aberavon last timeout.

Tries from Joe Williams, Nathan Hudd were accompanied by braces from Matty Young and Joe Goodchild and an early penalty try guided the Blue and Blacks to an impressive win at the Talbot Athletic Ground. The hosts for Saturday’s encounter come into the match on the back of an away defeat to Ebbw Vale last Thursday, where it finished 48-17.

Team News:

1. Marc Thomas

2. Gavin Parry

3. Tom Harper

4. Mackenzie Martin

5. Sean Moore- C

6. Lucas de la Rua

7. Nathan Hudd

8. Benji Williams

9. Ethan Lloyd

10. Harri Wilde

11. Tom Bowen

12. Steffan Emanuel

13. Elijah Evans

14. Joe Goodchild

15. Matty Young

Replacements:

16. Charlie Manship

17. Jarred Williams

18. Christian Brooke

19. Ethan Phillips

20. Aled Ward

21. Evan Rees

22. Joe Williams

23. Jason Harries

Pre-Match Thoughts:

Speaking ahead of the match, captain Sean Moore looked back at the away win against Aberavon and said: “We probably showed the best and worst of our play during that game.

“First half we were really clinical and took our chances well. We talked about it at half time about going out and staying on top but some poor discipline and not enough urgency allowed them three tries we could have kept out. Which as a team is very frustrating for us.

“He (Dan Fish) was straight to the point that we played some very good rugby in that first half and second half we dropped off massively. If we want to get that top spot and push to win we can’t afford to let off at any point in a game. We’ve got three tough games coming up which we will need full 80 minute performances from the boys.”

Cardiff currently sit in pole position in Super Rygbi Cymru on 68 points, five points clear of Ebbw Vale who occupy second. On this, Moore added: “It’s a great thing to get where we have so far with 3 games left but we are going to be aiming for that top spot in the league.”

On facing Scott Baldwin’s Bridgend side on Saturday afternoon, Moore continued: “The Brewery Field is a tough place to go and it always has been.

“We’ve played one Cup match down there this year and come off on the losing side with them scoring in the last play of the game. So we’ve got a few wrongs to right come Saturday. They will always keep pushing you for the full 80 so we can’t afford to switch off during the game and allow them easy points.

“As a squad we are excited for these last few games so push ourselves and see what we can achieve as a group. It’s been a great squad effort to be sat at the top at the moment but we still want that top spot come the playoffs with three big games left which aren’t going to be easy.”

Remember the last meeting in the SRC?

The last time the pair met in the league was back in October last year at the Arms Park, where the Blue and Blacks won 47-14. That day winger, Dewi Cross scored a brace and this was accompanied by scores from Elijah Evans, Alun Rees, Aled Ward, Jason Harries and Benji Williams.

For those unable to make it to the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday can stay updated via social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram).

Tries from Elijah Evans, Joe Goodchild, Matty Young, Aled Ward and Ethan Lloyd secured the Blue and Blacks revenge after their defeat against Scott Baldwin’s Bridgend side early last month in the Cup.

Speaking after the game head coach, Dan Fish said: “Good to get the six points, wasn’t the best of performances but shows a sign of a good team winning whilst not playing well.

“We will take the learnings from this game ready for a big game next Saturday.”

At a sun drenched Brewery Field it was the visitors who got off the better as after 90 seconds they had crossed the whitewash. Outside centre, Elijah Evans crossed over for his fourth try of the season as he made a brilliant break through the hosts defence to score.

The visitors then responded minutes later as the Blue and Blacks were penalised. Then from the catch and drive fullback, Edd Howley made a break and offloaded to Jake Thomas who put the hosts metres away from the whitewash. Then after one phase, James Owen powered his way over to score.

Outside half, Lloyd Wilkins added the extras to put his side into a two point lead after 12 minutes. That lead was no more, as Matty Young managed to easily get through the hosts defence and eventually offloaded to returning Tom Bowen.

The winger was eventually brought down but then popped it up for Joe Goodchild to score his 11th of the season. Bridgend were then reduced to 14-men as Alfie Llewellyn was sent off by referee, Mike English with the Blue and Blacks metres from the line.

Then after continuous pressure on the hosts defence with big carries from Benji Williams, the ball was eventually sent out wide for Matty Young to score after some great footwork.

HT: Bridgend Ravens 7-15 Cardiff

Straight from the restart the hosts found themselves under immediate pressure straight away as Ben Burnell dropped the ball deep in his side’s 22. Then after play got stopped as referee, Mike English got in the way which stopped the momentum of the Blue and Blacks attack.

From the scrum the ball was eventually lost forward as the hosts kicked to relieve pressure. The hosts then found themselves back inside the Blue and Blacks 22 as winger, Jake Thomas made a break upfield.

His opposite winger, Tom Bowen then showed some great pace to stop the winger from advancing after a brilliant cover tackle. However, despite the start the visitors had to the second half it was Bridgend who crossed the whitewash first. Cameron Ellis stretched his way over as the deficit was reduced to just one point going into the final 30 minutes.

On 51 minutes the visitors then extended their lead further as replacement, Jason Harries powered his way through and offloaded to scrum-half, Ethan Lloyd who crossed over for his sixth try of the season.

With only a matter of minutes remaining on the clock, Aled Ward crossed the whitewash which meant that the Blue and Blacks had secured yet another six pointer as they now sit on 74 points at the top of Super Rygbi Cymru.

FT: Bridgend Ravens 15-29 Cardiff

Having started the afternoon in second place, the Blue and Blacks ran in seven tries to secure a bonus point and position themselves back in pole position after a win over The Wizards.

Tries from Joe Williams, Nathan Hudd was accompanied by braces from Matty Young and Joe Goodchild and an early penalty try guided the Blue and Blacks to a 44-22 win.

Despite being three weeks since Cardiff’s last outing in the SRC, it didn’t take Dan Fish’s men long to make an immediate impact. After a kick in behind from Matty Young it put the hosts under pressure instantly as James Clegg was forced to take the ball over the line.

Then after a dominant scrum referee, Lucas Yendle awarded the visitors a penalty try after three minutes.

The Wizards moments later opened up their afternoon as outside half, Ed Dunford slotted three points from the tee. However, the Blue and Blacks lead grew even more as Matty Young crossed. This came from a break from Elijah Evans who put the visitors on the front foot, then a pass back inside from Joe Goodchild allowed fullback Young to score his fourth try of the season.

Goodchild was of great use once again in the build up to the Blue and Blacks third as he offloaded to scrum-half, Joe Williams to score. Harri Wilde added the extras as Cardiff went into an early 16 point lead.

Minutes later, on his first game back since the U20s Six Nations, Steffan Emanuel put a brilliantly timed kick in behind which saw his centre counterpart Elijah Evans gather. The hosts then regained possession and kicked to relieve pressure, but outside-half Wilde gathered and spread the ball out wide for Matty Young who quickly offloaded to Joe Goodchild who crossed the whitewash.

Prior to the half an hour mark, Nathan Hudd crossed over after a dominant catch and drive as the openside scored his third of the season. Despite a very much one sided opening 40 minutes, the visitors were a man down after try scorer, Goodchild was sent off for ten minutes.

HT: Aberavon 3-31 Cardiff

The second half began exactly how the first half started, with an early score for the visitors. This time around, Matty Young crossed over after stepping back inside. The hosts then responded accordingly as Ashton Evans crossed over for The Wizards opening try of the afternoon. Outside half, Dunford quickly added the extras which reduced the deficit to 26 points.

This was then followed for the second time in the encounter with the Blue and Blacks being reduced to 14-men. Steffan Emanuel was shown a yellow card after a deliberate knock-on. Then with the one man advantage, Felix Gilbert crossed over for his sides second of the afternoon.

Then after returning back to 15, the Blue and Blacks quickly scored their seventh of the afternoon. Joe Goodchild crossed over for his second and this came from a brilliant cross field kick by Harri Wilde. One of the main themes of a much more competitive 40 minutes was the strength of the Blue and Blacks defence in their own 22.

The hosts throughout the final quarter were looking for ways through but were unable to capitalise on them. However, with minutes left on the clock and after a few penalties inside the Blue and Blacks 22 replacement, Saul Hurley scored for the hosts despite more heroic defending being on show from the Blue and Blacks.

The late cross by The Wizards proved insufficient, as it was Harri Wilde who scored the final points of the encounter as he added three points from the tee to conclude proceedings at the Talbot Athletic Ground.

FT: Aberavon 22-44 Cardiff

After ending their drought of 17 years without a trophy with a win over Exeter Chiefs last weekend, to claim the Premiership Rugby Cup champions. Bath returned to The Rec and claimed the spoils in the West Country derby as they remain top of the league. 

Tries from Guy Pepper, Max Ojomoh, Thomas du Toit and Finn Russell secured the hosts a bonus point inside the opening 40 minutes. This was followed by crosses from replacements Will Stuart and Sam Underhill as Bath recorded a hard-fought victory to move six points clear at the top of the Premiership table.

Bath Rugby: 42

Tries: Guy Pepper (6’), Max Ojomoh (17’), Thomas du Toit (23’), Finn Russell (36’), Will Stuart (61’), Sam Underhill (72’)

Conversions: Finn Russell (6’, 18’, 24’, 36’, 62’, 72’

Penalties: Finn Russell 

Gloucester Rugby: 26

Tries: Jack Clement (9’), Tomos Williams (30’), Seb Blake (31’), George Barton (40+1’)

Conversions: Santi Carreras (10’, 32’, 40+2’, 

Penalties: 

Yellow Cards: Christian Wade (52’)

Scroll down for Ruck Rugby’s Bath player ratings. 

15 Tom de Glanville- 5 

The 25-year-old didn’t impact the contest much, a part from the odd carry or hit in defence which resulted in the fullback being awarded a low score. 

14 Ruaridh McConnochie- 6

Despite being one of the quieter performances from McConnochie in the encounter, he was still solid in defence and attack, making some big hits and carries. 

13 Max Ojomoh- 7

After coming on in the first half for Cokanasiga last weekend in the Prem Cup final, the 24-year-old early on in the contest was excellent in defence. That strong showing paid off as he crossed the whitewash after running a brilliant line. 

12 Cameron Redpath- 7

He worked fantastically with his counterpart in the centre, as they caused all sorts of problems for The Cherry and Whites, with Redpath being strong in attack. 

11 Will Muir- 7

It was his first outing in 11 weeks, and what was pleasing to see was the 29-year-old’s work rate. This is backed up after charging down right in front of the posts on Santi Carreras’s conversion, which was the main reason for a two-point gap between the two at half-time.

10 Finn Russell- 8

After a disappointing Six Nations with Scotland, Russell returned to his club side with a bang. He steered the ship in attack with fast handling, which was evident in Ojomoh’s try. His quick thinking secured his side a bonus point in the opening 40 and also kicked a brilliant 50-22 which was the catalyst of another cross.

9 Ben Spencer- 7

The Bath captained martialled operations around the breakdown area exceptionally well, keeping up the high tempo of the hosts’ attack. He was eventually replaced by Louis Schreuder late into the second half. 

1 Beno Obano- 6

Obano scrummaged brilliantly during his hour on the field, where he had a great battle with Afo Fasogbon. He was utilised well in attack as he used his strength to get over the gain line on many occasions. 

2 Tom Dunn- 7

Solid at lineout time with his arrows firing, which was needed as they opted to kick to the corner every time they entered the opposition’s half after being awarded a penalty. He left the pitch to a standing ovation as Niall Annett replaced him after the hosts claimed their fifth try of the afternoon. 

3 Thomas du Toit- 7

Arguably one of the best tightheads in the world, du Toit was a great asset when it came to scrum time and when the hosts needed a primary ball carrier. He crossed over for his 4th Premiership try of the season just after the opening quarter. However, he was replaced at halftime by Will Stuart. 

4 Quinn Roux- 5

Went off before the hour mark, he didn’t make any notable errors and, like many just had a solid showing. 

5 Charlie Ewels- 5.5

Ewels did much of the unseen work in the encounter and made his 164th appearance for Bath this afternoon. Like his partner in the second row, he did nothing eye-catching but did enough to help his side hold off Gloucester. 

6 Josh Bayliss- 6

With his counterparts in the back row taking all of the headlines, perhaps the 27-year-old’s work was overlooked. Overall, it was an impressive showing. 

7 Guy Pepper- 8

Pepper is always of great value, especially around the breakdown, and that was no different this afternoon after a significant turnover. He showed his strength to score on six minutes for to claim the opening points of the afternoon. And it must be said it was deserved that he was awarded the player of the match reward. 

8 Alfie Barbeary- 7

One of the main big ball carriers, working extremely hard to get over the gainline. Something that let the 24-year-old down was he kicked the ball dead in the first half despite having 30 seconds left on the clock, which was then shortly followed by the visitors securing themselves a bonus point through George Barton’s crossing. 

Matt Sherratt took charge of his first game back for Cardiff Rugby since his stint with Wales in the Six Nations and in doing so, saw his side win just their fifth home game of the season as they put aside eighth-place Emirates Lions in round 13 of the United Rugby Championship.

Tries from Ben Donnell and Harri Millard were accompanied by Callum Sheedy’s boot, saw the Blue and Blacks take the spoils in a nail-biter at the Cardiff Arms Park.

The rain came down in torrents before kick-off, which made conditions difficult for both sides, but the visitors got off to the better start. Following some substantial pressure in the Blue and Blacks 22 tighthead, Asenathi Ntlabakayne powered his way over for the opening try of the contest. Fly-half Gianni Lombard successfully added the extras, which put the South African side into an early 7-0 lead after 12 minutes.

Moments later, the hosts responded accordingly through a try of their own. After a brilliant hit by scrum-half Johan Mulder on try-scorer Ntlabakayne from the resulting ruck, the hosts won a penalty. After kicking into the visitors’ 22, a catch and drive followed, and after a few phases, Donnell crossed for his second try of the season. Sheedy then brought proceedings back level after adding the extras. That lead then grew on 31 minutes as Sheedy slotted three points from an impressive distance after the Lions were penalised around the breakdown.

The visitors then looked to have scored their second of the encounter after brilliant combination play, which resulted in scrum-half Nico Steyn crossing over. However, after a TMO check, referee Federico Vedovelli disallowed the try as a forward pass in the build-up brought play back just inside the Blue and Blacks 22, and the halftime whistle shortly followed that.

HT: Cardiff Rugby 10-7 Emirates Lions

The second half began with the visitors drawing back level through Lombard slotting a penalty. Then, from a kick in behind by Sheedy, the Blue and Blacks regained possession after winger Richard Kriel knocked the ball on. Fullback Cam Winnett regained possession, and this was shortly followed by the visitors being penalised for not rolling away around the breakdown. Outside-half, Sheedy remained 100% from the tee as he put Cardiff back into the lead on the 50-minute mark.

Before the hour mark, the Lions found themselves metres out from the hosts’ whitewash, and after some close-range carries, captain Francke Horn crossed the whitewash for his side’s second of the evening. Lombard added the extras, which put his side back into the lead for the first time since the 11th minute.

Shortly after, winger Harri Millard brilliantly crossed over for his sixth of the season. This came from brilliantly reading the visitors’ attack as he intercepted from inside his own half and showed his pace to crossover in the corner. Sheedy calmly added the extras to make a three-point game going into the final 15 minutes. The Lions were then reduced to 14 men with just minutes left on the clock as fly-half Lombard was sent off for ten minutes for a deliberate knock-on.

There was further drama late on in the encounter with the hosts showcasing some brilliant defence, to hold the visitors up over the line as Sherratt’s men secured a hard-fought victory.

Cardiff will travel to Italy next Saturday evening as they take on Benneton Rugby, where they will aim to continue their hunt for a top-eight finish. The Emirates Lions head to Scotstoun, where they take on the Glasgow Warriors on Saturday evening. Both kick-off at 7:35 pm.

FT: Cardiff Rugby 20-17 Emirates Lions

Cardiff’s Utilita Arena is the next stop on the roadshow of the 2025 BetMGM Premier League as Welshmen, Gerwyn Price will be looking to make two weekly wins in a row.

After claiming the Week Six title last week in Nottingham where he put aside Luke Littler 6-3, the man from Markham will begin this evening against Rob Cross in the last quarter-final.

The pair met last year in the Welsh Capital where Price put aside the former World Champion to reach the nightly final where he eventually lost to Michael Smith.

The reigning World Champion, Littler will look to book himself in another meeting with Price as he takes on Nathan Aspinall in the 18-year-old’s opener this evening.

Since winning Night four of the Premier League in Exeter the World number one, Luke Humphries has lost back-to-back quarter-finals. It doesn’t get any easier for the former World Champion as he takes on Michael van Gerwen. Humphries leads the Dutchman by five points as Van Gerwen has yet to reach a final in this year’s Premier League.

Unlike all the other three quarter-finals, Chris Dobey and Stephen Bunting will meet for the first time in years Premier League. Both players haven’t made the best of starts to this year’s season and for Bunting he will be looking for his first win of his 2025 campaign.

2025 BetMGM Premier League
Night Seven – Thursday March 20
Utilita Arena, Cardiff

Quarter-Finals
Chris Dobey v Stephen Bunting
Luke Humphries v Michael van Gerwen
Luke Littler v Nathan Aspinall
Gerwyn Price v Rob Cross

Semi-Finals
Dobey/Bunting v Humphries/Van Gerwen
Littler/Aspinall v Price/Cross

Final
v

In his final game as interim head coach for Wales Gloucester born, Matt Sherratt insists that stopping England from winning the 2025 Guinness Six Nations would be ‘massive’ at Principality Stadium on Saturday. 

The Cardiff coach has made only two changes to his side that lost 35-29 against Scotland. With Tom Rogers out due to a fractured thumb, Scarlets Joe Roberts for the first time in his professional career will play on the wing. Aaron Wainwright is the only change in the forwards as he replaces Tommy Reffell. The 27-year-old will join back-up with his 2023 World Cup counterparts Jac Morgan and Taulupe Faletau. 

Saracens, Nick Tompkins is the only change on the bench as interim head coach, Sherratt has resisted the urge to make more changes to his team that will be aiming to put an end to their torrid run of defeats. Sherratt addressed the media at Wales’ training camp in the Vale of Glamorgan in the pre-match press conference. 

1. Sherratt explains what a win over England would mean for Welsh Rugby 

Wales come into the contest on the back of 16 consecutive Test defeats, with the last win being at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. They have also lost their last eight matches at the Principality Stadium, and in recent times against England the head-to-head has not been favourable for them. Their last win against them came back in August 2023 in a World Cup warm-up match, where it finished 20-9.

“It would be massive. That’s a massive motivation,” stated Sherratt.  

“It would be huge for them. It’s not something we talk about a huge amount or you can get desperate. It’s getting that balance between heart and brain. There’ll be stacks of heart. We need to get our game on the pitch. If that win comes, it would give everyone a lift.

“I think, traditionally, it’s what you grow up watching. It’s what a lot of your memories are about. Everything has been leading up to Saturday. It won’t need an emotional build-up. 

“The balance will be about how much detail you give them. It’s a seven-week camp and I’ve only been here for three weeks. It’s about not overloading them mentally or physically.

2. Gareth Anscombe remains at outside-half despite Jarrod Evans hype 

After the defeat in Scotland, Evans admitted that he thought his international career was over but was grateful for the recall. He replaced Anscombe and was a major catalyst in the improvements of Wales’ attack in the final 40 at Murrayfield. 

On potentially picking the 28-year-old over Anscombe, Sherratt added: “If I’m honest, no. 

“For the reason being, sometimes with half-backs, the early part is navigating the way through it. Jarrod is one of the best attackers in the game. I knew if he comes off the bench and we need something, he’d bring it. But it’s a different situation.

“I think Gareth’s best when he’s in the moment and just plays the game. He does a lot of prep. The key is having a clear mind. If he puts us in the right areas of the pitch, links the play and gives the team solutions. Those three things are what we need.”

3. Joe Roberts to start on the wing for very first time

On placing the Scarlets centre on the wing, Sherratt said: “Obviously the wing was forced. 

“Unfortunately, a couple of wings have had to leave camp. I’ve been really impressed with Joe’s (Roberts) attitude in camp. He doesn’t overthink it and he backs his ability.”

4. Sherratt will coach his final game for Wales on Saturday- ‘I’ve loved it’. 

With Warren Gatland leaving his role as Wales head coach after the 22-15 defeat to Italy in February, Sherratt was announced as the new interim head coach for the remainder of the Six Nations. In his short period in charge of the national side he has brought back some sort of feel good factor into Welsh Rugby, despite both games being defeats against Ireland (27-18) and Scotland (35-29). 

On his spell as Wales’ head coach, Sherratt with a bit of emotion insisted: “I’ve loved it. It’s been brilliant for me and my family. That’s been a massive influence for me, having my sons at the game. Seeing them enjoy it is massive. It’s been a pleasure to do. Getting to know the new players. 

“Some of the boys I’ve coached before. But it’s been great coaching a new bunch of lads. The staff and the players here, I know we haven’t had the results, but there’s a huge amount of effort and positivity.”

Aaron Wainwright will start for Wales for only the second time in year’s Guinness Six Nations in the Championships finale against England at Principality Stadium on Saturday.

After starting against France in Paris, the 27-year-old has been named on the bench in his last three appearances for Wales. Last timeout he came onto replace Tommy Reffell who was named on the bench for the encounter in the Welsh capital.

This means that Wainwright, will join up with 2023 World Cup counterparts Jac Morgan and Taulupe Faletau with all three being great assets in getting over the gain-line when in attack.

“I am looking forward to being back playing with them (Morgan and Faletau),” stated Wainwright who has made 56 appearances for Wales.

“They are both awesome players who have played well so far over this campaign, so I am looking forward to getting out there.

“He (Faletau) is a game changer, you could see that on the weekend. Once he gets his hands on the ball he can make things happen and for me and the other guys around him it’s about being there on those support lines so we can be there if he can get his hands free and try and get on his shoulder and keep up with him.

“Knowing my role when I have been included on the bench. Jockey (Matt) spoke to me about bringing energy when I go on, and I think I have done that.

“Probably struggled in the Ireland game to make as much of an impact as I would have wanted, but I thought I did quite well off the bench against Italy and Scotland. Looking forward to going from the start this week.”

Wales have not tasted a Test match triumph since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and their opposition for Saturday’s round five contest only need a bonus-point victory to give them a chance of being crowned Six Nations Champions. Whereas for Wales they will be looking to avoid back-to-back wooden spoons.

On playing England, Wainwright stated: “The occasion takes care of itself.

“Wales-England at the Prinicpality is a massive occasion. For us, we spoke a bit about ending these three games that Jockey has come in on a high. I think the impact that him and TR (Thomas) have had on the group has been massive.

“Just to be able to put out on the pitch what they have implemented over the last couple of weeks, if we can do that then we will be able to put a good performance in.”

“It is about making sure we control that first 20 minutes. 

“We have probably been passive and we need to make sure we are not making as many mistakes as we did in the opening minutes against Scotland.

“If you look at the Ireland game at home with the crowd in full voice behind us we started well and took it to them.

“If we can do the same and maybe finish the game against Scotland, we will be in a good place.”

Wales second row Dafydd Jenkins, stated that his side cannot allow England to win the 2025 Guinness Six Nations at Principality Stadium Saturday afternoon.

England who put aside Italy, 47-24 at Twickenham last Sunday have still got a chance of lifting silverware when they head to the Welsh capital. Albeit they will have to wait until the final whistle in Paris before the celebrations begin if they are to be successful.

For Wales they will be aiming to put an end to a torrid run of 16 consecutive Test defeats. If they were to stop the chances of England claiming the Championship they will need to pick up their first win at home for the first time in eight games at Principality stadium.

“This is the game you dream of playing in as a kid,” said Jenkins.

“It’s sold out. Pretty sure they (England) can win the Championship, so we can’t be having that in Cardiff, can we.

“I probably started watching rugby properly in that 2011 World Cup, so seeing Wales have success there really inspired me to go on and play and want to play in the Welsh jersey, in these big games against England.

“Obviously seeing the success that Welsh team had, has brought through another generation now, which hopefully we can do. But yeah, this game is a special one, and one we’re definitely up for.”

The 22-year-old who captained his side during the 2024 Championship plays in the Gallagher Premiership for Exeter Rugby, so there will be bragging rights on the line, right?

“If I go back to Exeter with a win I’d be a lot happier, in terms of you can start ripping into a few of the other boys,” Jenkins added.

“I’ve taken my fair share of stick off them, so it’d be nice to hand out a bit.”

Jenkins produced a standout performance in Edinburgh in the last round of Six Nations, but one player that has stood out all tournament is Wales’ captain, Jac Morgan. He is currently ranked number one in the tackle chart with 73 and has been leading his side with some impressive performances that his counterparts will be inspiring off.

On Morgan’s brilliant showing in this year’s Six Nation, Jenkins added: “He’s an incredible player. He is a class bloke, very humble, and someone I love playing with and playing for.

“You always know he is going to give everything, and you always know he is going to be one of the best players on the pitch, whoever we are playing against. Having people like – Jac, Taulupe, Tomos – does help the team forward. They are special players.

“He (Morgan) is above everyone else. For me, he is the best seven in Britain at the moment. If you are talking about a Lions tour, he’s on there for sure, isn’t he.”

With those performances under interim head coach Matt Sherratt, Wales have looked like they’ve improved vastly. Despite the result against Scotland meaning that Wales joined Italy as the only Tier one Nation team to have lost 16 consecutive Test matches in the professional era, they have been some good moments.

“Seeing Jac doing special things really inspires you to think we do have the sort of team to start winning games and hopefully win Championships in the future. But I think the coaching staff that’s come in, in terms of Jockey (Sherratt) with the attack, it’s making us look like a real threat in attack I feel.

“I think our set-piece has been good, the last couple of games, it’s something we want to be a dominant pack with. So there’s a lot of positives to take into the next game, obviously we all know the situation in terms of the losses, but I think from taking the positives out of the games you can see there’s actually a progression going forward.”

This result also means that the Blue and Blacks have overtaken Ebbw Vale to regain pole position in Super Rygbi Cymru after recording a six-point bonus point win. In doing so they have broken the Drover’s winning streak from October last year, as Dan Fish’s men sit top of the league with only a number of games remaining.

Tries from Matty Young, Joe Goodchild and Joe Williams were accompanied by Dewi Cross and Osian Darwin-Lewis, who scored a brace as the Blue and Blacks secured an impressive victory at Church Bank.

“Really proud of the performance and it just shows what we are capable of,” said head coach Dan Fish after the triumph on Saturday afternoon.

“We know what a good side Llandovery are and knew we had to be on it from the start. Boys workrate and physicality enabled us to execute the game-plan.

“We got areas to tidy up leading into the back end of the season but the result shows how good we can be.”

It didn’t take long for the Blue and Blacks to open the scoring as Matty Young put his side on the front foot after a brilliant take under the highball from the fullback. Then, after spreading the ball through the backline, centre Osian Darwin-Lewis offloaded to Dewi Cross to score the afternoon’s first try. Josh Thomas added the extras as the visitors went into a very early 7-0 lead. 

Soon after outside half, Josh Thomas extended his sides lead further, and this came after the Drovers were penalised for being offside. Then, an attempted interception by Llandovery’s Osian Davies, allowed Joe Goodchild to regather and offload to Matty Young who showed his pace to crossover for the Blue and Blacks second of the afternoon.

Thomas was unable to add the extras as Cardiff after 12 minutes, were 15-0 up. With it all seeming to be one-way traffic in favour of Dan Fish’s men for the opening quarter, the onslaught of pressure on the hosts didn’t stop.

After Tom Harper, brilliantly turned the ball over at the breakdown, it was offloaded to Matty Young who put in a brilliant 50-22 to put immediate pressure back onto the Drovers. From the catch and drive, the ball was spread to the outside for Matty Young to pass back inside for Dewi Cross to score his brace. 

However, after some penalties inside the visitors’s 22, Llandovery were next to score. This came after constant pressure on the Blue and Blacks’ defence as the ball was spread out wide for winger Harri Doel to score their opening points of the afternoon.

After referee, Adam Jones awarded the try he then sent Mackenzie Martin off for ten minutes, as before the half an hour mark, the score was 22-5. That lead grew even further after another penalty from Josh Thomas. Before the interval the fourth try and bonus point was secured as centre Osian Darwin-Lewis scored his first try of the season.

This came from a knock-on in the Drovers’ attack and from way inside his own half, the boy who is playing in his debut season for Cardiff RFC showed his pace to crossover. 

HT: Llandovery 5-30 Cardiff 

The Blue and Blacks began the second half reduced to 14 men for the second time in the contest as Tom Harper was shown a yellow card. Then with the one-man advantage, Adam Warren crossed over for the Drovers second after some brilliant link-up play, which started in their own half. 

However, Josh Thomas’ boot proved to be instrumental once again as he slotted another three points, which meant the difference was 21 points.

Osian Darwin-Lewis then crossed over for his second of the match and Cardiff’s fifth. This came from some brilliant build-up play with some huge carries as the outside centre ran a clever line to cross the whitewash. Josh Thomas added the extras as just before the 60 minute mark, Cardiff had a 28-point lead.

It was then the hosts’ who were then reduced to 14 men as replacement Dino Dallavalle was sent off for ten minutes. After this the Blue and Blacks with the player advanatge inside centre, Jason Harries spread the ball quickly out wide for Lucas de la Rua who was wearing the number eight shirt to draw the last defender as Joe Goodchild scored. 

Nathan Hudd was then shown a yellow card with the clock showing only ten minutes remaining, but after being on the pitch for a number of minutes replacement scrum half, Joe Williams crossed over. This came from a brilliant kick in behind from try scorer, Joe Goodchild as Williams regathered to race over. Josh Thomas successfully converted the extras.

With the clock in the red, the hosts’ then scored their third of the match as Jac Davies crossed over, but that proved insufficient as Cardiff RFC claimed their first at Church Bank since April 2022. 

FT: Llandovery 19-52 Cardiff