Get ready for an intense URC Welsh derby as Dragons face off against Cardiff!
A Battle for Pride and a Long-Awaited Win
Dragons are determined to break their losing streak against Cardiff, aiming for their first league victory since 2014 and a much-needed win in any competition since their Challenge Cup triumph in 2015. It's been a tough road for Dragons, with 20 consecutive league losses since their last victory over Ospreys in September 2024.
But here's where it gets controversial... Cardiff, on the other hand, have started the season strongly with two wins in three games, currently sitting fourth in the URC table. And this is the part most people miss: Dragons have made a whopping 10 personnel changes from their last game, a thrashing by Glasgow.
Among the returning stars for Cardiff is Taulupe Faletau, playing his first game of the 2025-26 season. With Steve Tandy set to announce the Wales squad next Tuesday, the pressure is on for Faletau and his fellow Wales internationals Josh Adams, Ben Thomas, Corey Domachowski, and Alex Mann to make an impact.
And the game didn't disappoint! Mann scored the first try of the game within the opening minute, but Dragons quickly responded through Brodie Coghlan. Faletau then added Cardiff's second try, followed by a score from Dan Thomas, making for an entertaining opening quarter.
Live Reporting with Matt Lloyd
Dragons 7-17 Cardiff (37 mins)
Ken Owens, the former Wales hooker, commented on Cardiff's performance: "They've turned up tonight, got the basics right, and built the game from their defense. They haven't created much, but they've put enough pressure on the Dragons to score three tries."See AlsoNoah Caluori's Stunning 5-Try Debut: Is He England's Next Rugby Superstar?Northern vs Southern Hemisphere Rugby: The Ultimate Showdown (Final Score & Analysis)England Rugby: Time to Drop Henry Slade and Build Around Bath's Midfield DuoTeddy Swims' Emotional NRL Grand Final Performance: A Homegrown Hero's JourneyMissed Penalty (35 mins)
"This is getting silly now," Lloyd exclaimed. "Callum Sheedy's quick restart led to trouble, and Dragons won another penalty. Tinus de Beer had a go, but missed again. Six points gone begging in just three minutes!"Missed Penalty (34 mins)
"De Beer was directly in line with the posts, but his kick went wide. What's happening with the kickers tonight? I don't think there's any wind to blame."Replacement (32 mins)
"Rio Dyer tried to run it off, but his quad problem forced him off. That's two Dragons players down already, and this first half is going from bad to worse. Huw Anderson comes on, an exciting young prospect."Post (30 mins)
Andrew Coombs, the former Wales lock, shared his thoughts: "I like seeing forwards kick the ball. I enjoyed doing it myself, although it often didn't end well for me."Post (29 mins)
"Alex Mann booted the ball straight out when Cardiff had an opening. Maybe his head bandage slipped? Or maybe it's proof that forwards shouldn't kick."Replacement (28 mins)
"Dillon Lewis is on earlier than expected against his former team. This will be interesting; they still sell his coffee at the Arms Park!"Post (27 mins)
Coombs continued: "The Dragons' backs look more dangerous at the moment. We've seen Cardiff score three tries from their forwards, but we haven't seen much from their backs."Post (25 mins)
"Another Dragons attack fizzled out with a missed pass. They just don't seem to be on the same page."It's Not Good Enough - Macleod (23 mins)
Dragons coach Dale Macleod spoke to S4C: "It's not good enough, it's very disappointing. We need to stay calm and keep building. The boys are trying to do something good, but we need to maintain possession and build pressure to get into the right part of the field."Post (22 mins)
Gareth Griffiths, BBC Sport Wales at Rodney Parade, said: "Cardiff have been clinical, with the back-row trio of Alex Mann, Taulupe Faletau, and Dan Thomas all crossing. Fly-half Callum Sheedy has missed two conversions, and his goal-kicking will be a concern for the Wales selectors."Post (20 mins)
Ken Owens added: "Cardiff played patiently, knowing an opportunity would arise. Dragons need to be harder in the tackles; it's too easy for Cardiff right now."Try: Dragons 7-17 Cardiff (19 mins)
"Unfortunately, Cardiff are over for a third. It was a penalty that gave them easy territory, and then it was ruthless efficiency as they recycled the ball. George Nott gave the scoring pass to Dan Thomas, and the try was inevitable as Dragons ran out of numbers."Post (18 mins)
Coombs commented: "It was too easy for Cardiff to score. Dragons have no intensity in defense. They've been dynamic with the ball, but in defense, they haven't shown up tonight."Post (17 mins)
"A real derby feel now with the first scuffle! Adams hammered his opposite number Inisi into touch, but Dragons felt he tipped him up. Lots of pushing and shoving, but it calmed quickly. A wonderful break by Angus O'Brien beforehand."Post (15 mins)
Coombs continued: "Dragons have missed tackles all season. They need to improve their defense and discipline tonight."Converted Try: Dragons 7-12 Cardiff (13 mins)
"Faletau try, Sheedy con. In his first game back, Taulupe Faletau scored in just 13 minutes! Cardiff turned down an easy three points in front of the posts and were rewarded with seven. I'm not sure anyone could have stopped the big number eight from a few yards out. Class."Post (12 mins)
"Callum Sheedy tried a chip kick to the corner, but Rhodri Williams made a wonderful take, out-jumping Josh Adams. Still, it's a penalty for Cardiff."Post (11 mins)
"What a lively opening 10 minutes! We're taking a breather while a Cardiff player receives treatment, but it's game on!"Post (9 mins)
Ken Owens said: "Dragons are right back in it. They used the maul well to put pressure on Cardiff after conceding earlier in the same way."
Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling derby unfolds!
