The Ospreys staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Ulster 21-10 at Brewery Field on Saturday, a victory that keeps their United Rugby Championship play-off hopes alive. According to multiple reports, the Ospreys touched down twice in the final 13 minutes through James Ratti and Daniel Kasende to overturn a 10-7 deficit. Ulster had held the advantage after first-half tries from Zac Ward and Tom Stewart, but a mistake by Michael Lowry allowed Kasende to score the decisive try. The win was particularly significant as it came after the Ospreys learned they were the likeliest region to be cut by the WRU, following their 19-13 victory over the Dragons the previous week. The Ospreys are historically the most successful region in Wales and currently sit ahead of the Dragons and Scarlets in the URC table. This was the first game since the Ospreys effectively found out their fate regarding potential cuts, and the team responded with a statement performance. Ulster, weakened by the ongoing Six Nations with Stuart McCloskey, Robert Baloucoune, Tom O’Toole and Nick Timoney playing for Ireland, had lost just four matches in all competitions before this game. Two of those previous losses had come in Wales. The Ward brothers, Zac and Bryn, both have plenty of potential for international honours, according to sources.
In other URC action involving Welsh regions, Cardiff defeated Ospreys in a Welsh derby at Arms Park, their first win at the venue since 2007. Scarlets defeated Zebre and leapfrogged Dragons into 14th place. Lions defeated Dragons, who earned a try bonus point in the loss, while Cardiff earned a losing bonus point in their loss to Sharks. Munster lost to Bulls, suffering their sixth defeat in 14 URC matches this season. Ulster have surpassed last season's points tally with six games to spare, according to multiple reports. The results have shifted the standings, with Scarlets moving above Dragons and Lions boosting their play-off hopes.
On the injury front, Taulupe Faletau returned from injury for Cardiff but suffered another injury in the match against Sharks, according to multiple reports. Jac Morgan returned from a dislocated left shoulder injury for Ospreys, and Elliot Dee returned from a shoulder injury for Dragons. The returns are a boost for Welsh rugby, though Faletau's setback is a concern.
In other match incidents, Zebre's Simone Gesi was sent off for clawing at Stuart McCloskey's eye, according to multiple reports. Newcastle Red Bulls lost to La Rochelle in the Challenge Cup. The Ospreys had previously lost to Ulster in the Challenge Cup, according to reports, but the URC victory on Saturday was a different competition.