The new season kicked off after weeks of off-field politics
Ellis Mee in action for the Scarlets(Image: Gruffydd Thomas/Huw Evans Agency)
After weeks of off-field politics, the season finally began with on-field action as the United Rugby Championship kicked off.
Cardiff beat the Lions at the Arms Park, but that was the only Welsh victory on the opening weekend. The Dragons went down to Ulster in Belfast on Friday night, before the Ospreys and Scarlets lost to the Bulls and Munster respectively.
There was also Welsh interest elsewhere, with the Gallagher Prem kicking off across the bridge.
With all that in mind, here are this weekend’s winners and losers…
WinnersHarri Deaves
‘An absolute dog of a player’ is how former Wales wing Shane Williams described Harri Deaves following his performance against the Bulls in Pretoria.
The Ospreys back-row wasn’t perfect in the 53-40 defeat, with his discipline faltering at times in the second half. But that’s just a reflection of his all-action persona on the field.
The 24-year-old Pontyclun product was into everything, setting up Jack Walsh’s score after charging down the left wing.
As the Ospreys begin life without Justin Tipuric as a player, they at least have a man in the yellow scrum-cap to replace the blue one.
Ebbw Vale
The Steelmen continued their perfect start to Super Rygbi Cymru with a 60-20 hammering of Cardiff at Eugene Cross Park on the weekend.
Jason Strange’s side kept up their defence of the SRC Challenger Shield as they ran in nine tries on Saturday, making it three wins from three with a perfect 18 points to sit top of the table. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
It’s undoubtedly a strong start to the campaign as they look to build on last season’s effort – having lost to Newport in the final.
Ebbw Vale had built up a strong 31-15 lead at half-time thanks to tries from centre Ethan Phillips, hooker Joe Franchi and full-back Morgan Richards, as well as a penalty try.
However, it was after the break where they cut loose. A hat-trick by replacement hooker Ieuan Morris, as well as scores for wing Ewan Bowden and Canada flanker Sion Parry, completed the rout.
Alun Lawrence
Cardiff may be unlikely to see Wales No. 8 Taulupe Faletau back in action for a few more weeks as he recovers from a calf injury, but that blow is softened significantly by one of last season’s standouts picking up where he left off.
It had been a chaotic week at the Arms Park, following Matt Sherratt’s departure, but it was business as usual for Alun Lawrence.
The 27-year-old ended last season as the URC’s top tackler, with that feat helping him to be named players’ player of the year at Cardiff.
Against the Lions on Saturday night, it was more of the same as he made 16 carries and 12 tackles in a player of the match performance.
New head coach Corniel Van Zyl said: “He [Lawrence] is an unbelievable machine. He has got an engine on him and it felt that he gets into the game and is so consistent, which makes it tough not to select him.”
Nick Tompkins
Two years ago, the centre pairing of Nick Tompkins and George North appeared to have calmed the revolving doors that was Wales’ midfield.
After various different partnerships, Tompkins and North seemed to work well as Wales reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in France.
However, it was only a temporary fix. North retired after the following Six Nations – with Tompkins starting two of the 13 Tests since.
He didn’t even tour Japan this summer, having fallen out of favour with Wales.
However, with Saracens, he remains a key figure. Reunited with Owen Farrell upon the former England captain’s return to the club, Tompkins went about ruining Newcastle Red Bulls’ bright new dawn – scoring one and setting up another in their win.
LosersScarlets backline
After reaching the play-offs last season, expectations are relatively high for the Scarlets this year.
There’s been some key losses in the pack – notably Vaea Fifita – but their backline is still packed with Wales internationals.
From nine to 15, the Scarlets’ backline was filled with Test stars in their URC opener against Munster.
However, despite the odd flash – such as Blair Murray’s try following Sam Costelow’s break – the backline largely struggled against the Irish province.
Welsh rugby’s retention powers
There’s been plenty of discussion about whether Welsh rugby produces enough talent, as the WRU contemplates what radical changes to make to the game in this country.
Sometimes though, it’s not about the lack of talent Welsh rugby produces, but its inability to keep it. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
Louis Rees-Zammit may be back in the game after his NFL adventure, but it’s unlikely he’ll ever play club rugby in Wales.
And, after a weekend that saw Immanuel Feyi-Waboso score twice on his return from injury for Exeter Chiefs, it’s another reminder that the talent is there – we just don’t always do a great job of retaining it.
In the case of Feyi-Waboso, who ultimately chose England, that still rankles.
Uncertainty remains
The WRU’s consultation is pretty much at an end now.
It officially ends on September 30, despite previous correspondence putting forward two other dates.
With the season now under way, the uncertainty remains for Welsh rugby’s clubs and players.
Hundreds of Scarlets fans marched through Llanelli on the weekend, but the wait goes on to learn what happens next in Welsh rugby’s never-ending soap opera.