URC: Ospreys 33-22 Cardiff – scrum-half Kieran Hardie inspires home win

Wales Kieron Assirati’s return from a calf injury is among five Cardiff changes to the side that narrowly beat the Dragons on Boxing Day.

Fellow prop Danny Southworth, Luke George Knott, number eight Alun Lawrence and scrum-half Johan Mulder also started.

Ospreys stand-in captain Dewi Lake dropped to the substitute bench, with Parry and full-back Jack Walsh named as co-captains.

Hardy, who was only the Ospreys’ specialist number nine due to injuries to Robin Morgan-Williams and Luke Davies, went close for the opening score, but lost the ball over the line before winger Harry Davies was also suspended.

Wales winger Giles eventually broke the deadlock with a brilliant solo try after Hardy’s clever pass.

In their first notable attack, Cardiff responded with some great attacking play with center Ben Thomas sliding through the Ospreys defense twice and providing a try scoring pass to Adams.

The Ospreys got back on the power play with Hardy taking advantage by diving over the rocks to score.

Cardiff captain Liam Belcher was shown a yellow card for an illegal clearance by Rhys Davies in an action in which visitor Dan Thomas was also involved, but avoided being fouled.

The Ospreys were unable to capitalize on the extra man and led 12-7 at half-time.

Cardiff were reduced to 15 men but Ospreys scored early in the second half after effective work from winger Hopkins and lock Ryan Smith allowed Barry to score.

The Ospreys were without Wales support Gareth Thomas, who is sidelined with a calf injury until the end of January, but Jarren Phillips showed his value when he featured with a decisive defensive role.

Hardie crossed for bonus points when he left Cardiff winger Mason Grady trailing in his wake before Hopkins completed the Ospreys’ goal.

Cardiff responded with a brilliant second goal from Adams before Faletau took the lead, with their supporters wondering where such attacking intent came from in the first 70 minutes.

Ospreys substitute Morgan Morse was shown a yellow card for a professional foul before Sebastian crossed for the loss of bonus points.