Hardy stars as Ospreys are just far too good for Cardiff

THE Ospreys started the new year with a bang as they comfortably beat Cardiff 33-22 to move into the United Rugby Championship playoff places.

- STEFFAN THOMAS

Scrumhalf Kieran Hardy, who was the only fit number nine in the squad, was outstanding, scoring a brace of tries and controlling the game exceptionally well.

Keelan Giles, Sam Parry and Iestyn Hopkins also crossed for tries while Dan Edwards contributed eight points from the kicking tee as the Ospreys overpowered Cardiff upfront.

Cardiff did not leave empty handed with a brace of tries from Josh Adams along with a score apiece from Taulupe Faletau and Javan Sebastian ensuring they left Bridgend with a losing bonus point while Callum Sheedy kicked two points.

This defeat will come as a big blow to Cardiff's chances of reaching the URC playoff's given the second part of the season presents far tougher fixtures than they have faced to date.

The Ospreys started strongly and had a try ruled out early on when the TMO said Hardy had grounded the ball just short of the try line.

After a period of pressure the Cardiff defence came out on top when Harri Deaves was held up over the try line by Dan Thomas.

But the Ospreys finally crossed the try line with some good handling from Ryan Smith and Hardy setting Giles free.