Euro resurgence means the regional derbies could be Christmas crackers
THINGS had been looking pretty grim across all levels of Welsh rugby in recent months, but the past two rounds of European competition have been a welcome tonic ahead of the festive derbies.
With the regions occupying three of the bottom four places in URC, with the Dragons, Scarlets and Ospreys collectively recording just five wins from 27 matches, one might have expected the worst in Europe.
But the unexpected success in the first two rounds of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup has suddenly reignited the anticipation for these hugely important derby matches.
The Ospreys have made the biggest transformation.
They produced their finest performance in years to comprehensively beat Montpellier last weekend.
Their defence was superb and they matched the French champions for physicality. But it was their adroit use of possession that enabled them to build a lead.
They should never have lost to Leicester the previous week considering the extent to which they dominated the scrum.
But the difference against Montpellier, notwithstanding the eradication of silly penalties, was the presence of Owen Williams at fly-half.
He was calm and confident. He gave direction and a purpose to the industry of the pack. He opened the game up when it was needed and got the best out of his threequarters.
If Williams can demonstrate the same control on Boxing Day, the Ospreys will be strong favourites against their West Walian rivals.
It has been a painful season so far for the Scarlets, but two wins on the bounce in Europe may spark something of a revival.
They have three of the best and most highly paid forwards in Wales in the shape of Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi and Sione Kalamafoni.
Throw Ken Owens to that and there is plenty of carrying power to set a plan around.
They’ve got Scott Williams back in midfield alongside the developing Sam Costelow, so there are reasons to be positive ahead of the trip to the Swansea.com Stadium.
Derbies are notoriously tight and edgy affairs and this will be no different. I think the unit skills of the Ospreys forwards will be enough to secure a victory in the end.
Potential bolters for the Welsh squad are Owen Williams and Morgan Morris. Morris had been cruelly overlooked by Pivac, who preferred hybrid back-rowers instead of genuine number 8s.
The early game on Boxing Day is the east Wales derby. The Dragons have improved so much since Dean Ryan was replaced by Dai Flanagan.
Ryan was like a lead weight around them where Flanagan is raising them to new hights.
Bradley Roberts embodies the mentality at Rodney Parade; he is aggressive and combative. He will not be second best to anyone and that spirit is coming through in their performances.
The Dragons have try scorers out wide and some touch players across the backline.
Their problems have often started in the scrum but if they can get out of that department unscathed they can be very feisty opponents. I used to hate playing at Rodney Parade.
The crowd felt so close and they’re on your back from the start. They will fancy their chances for the visit of Cardiff.
Dai Young is no stranger to the intimidating atmosphere when playing in Newport.
But he has plenty of reasons to be unafraid after recent results.
An excellent win in South Africa, two comprehensive victories in
Europe and a side that is beginning get to grips with what its strengths are.
Solid enough in the set-piece, Cardiff have a team that is comfortable playing a high-pace, high-skill game. Forwards handle and carry well.
They have dynamic power when needed and there is experience running through the spine of the team.
Thomas Young is piling up the man of the match trophies and keeps producing momentum changing moments.
They have a good sprinkling of ‘difference makers’ too in Taulupe Faletau , Josh Adams and Tomos Williams.
Rhys Carre will have a point to prove as well as he tries to return to the international stage.