Ospreys v LEINSTER
BKT UNITED RUGBY championship
Swansea.com Stadium
14 FEBRUARY 2025
Top-of-the-table Leinster arrived at the Swansea.com Stadium on an unbeaten league run, but didn't find it easy against a spirited Ospreys team. There were three tries a piece and only three points in it as the action went down to the final seconds.
The first opportunity of the game went to the visitors. Leinster put the pressure on near the Ospreys line, but the man in the blue hat, captain Justin Tipuric, came up trumps and was able to win a crucial turnover that allowed the boys to clear their lines.
There was clearly no love lost between the two teams in the opening exchanges, with a few scuffles taking place during the breaks in play. Both sets of players were up for this one!
Despite the Ospreys winning the battle for territory in the opening quarter, it was the away side that came away with the first score. Luke Mcgrath crossed for the try before Frawley missed the resulting conversion. Ospreys 0 - 5 Leinster.
Leinster were able to extend their lead to two scores soon after, with Frawley making up for his earlier miss by knocking a penalty through the sticks. Ospreys 0 - 8 Leinster.
Both sides were showing great discipline in defence in the first 25 minutes, with opportunities for few and far between and a ferocious battle at the breakdown.
With gaps in the Leinster’s defence looking scarce, Owen Williams opted for a pin point kick that resulted in a 50-22. Superb from the fly half!
Harri Deaves was playing with a real bit between his teeth. The flanker’s aggressive carrying was finally making a dent in the gainline and putting Leinster on the back foot.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! A penalty in Leinster territory allowed the pack to bring out ol’ faithful, the rolling maul and Deavesy was the beneficiary as he touched the ball down for the try. Owen Williams converted. Ospreys 7 - 8 Leinster.
But, the visitors answered back almost immediately, with Charlie Tector running a powerful line to go over for the score. Frawley converted. Ospreys 7 - 15 Leinster.
The boys responded similarly, getting another rolling maul going, but it was stopped just before the line by Leinster. The first half burst into life in the final stages after a cagey opening, setting up for an exciting finish.
HALF TIME: OSPREYS 7 - 15 LEINSTER
the second half began in the same manner as tight play and an exchange of possession continued.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! Ospreys seized control with another rolling maul near the Leinster line. Ethan Lewis took his opportunity, breaking off from the pack before going over for the try. Conversion missed. Ospreys 12 - 15 Leinster.
The next opportunity went to the visitors, as a rolling maul of their own deep into Ospreys territory gave them a good platform. But, tenacious defending from the boys meant that the 22 trip was unfruitful. With 20 minutes remaining, the Ospreys were showing no sides of backing down, giving the Leinster attack little room to operate and asking questions of the away side’s defence.
Despite the Ospreys putting the pressure on Leinster, the away side were able to force an error from home team in their 22. The ball went through the hands and Slimani was over for the visitors. Ospreys 12 - 22 Leinster.
With under 15 minutes to go, Deavesy pulled out a superb left-footed 50-22 attempt (he's a flanker, remember!) It didn't quite have the range, but Leinster could only fumble it out into touch giving Ospreys the lineout advantage. Deavesy putting in a typical Deavesy performance in this one!
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! An extended spell of pressure near the Leinster line proved too much for the visitor and Cam Jones was able to score his first try for the club. Jack Walsh converted. Ospreys 19 - 22 Leinster.
It was a tense final five with only three points in it as Leinster looked to put the ball through the hands in the midfield. The Ospreys backrow were dogged, with Deaves, Tipuric and Morse all hunting the turnover. Eventually the penalty came with ten seconds to go, but the ball couldn't find touch as the clock went red and Leinster recovered to put it out.
A dogged effort from an Ospreys team who never gave up against the team unbeaten at the top of the leauge. Harri Deaves was a deserved Player of the Match and paid tribute to his boyhood club, Pontyclun RFC in his postmatch interview as part of URC Origin Round.
Next up at home, we'll welcome Connacht to the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday 22nd March, 5:15pm KO. Make sure you've got your tickets to come down and support the boys.