Ulster 13-16 Ospreys. 3 April 2009

An away win for the Welsh region in a largely forgettable contest. The Ospreys fielded a second string team and showed enough grit and skill to overcome a disapointing home side performance. There's not really much to say about the match apart from the fact it was a solid away win. More experience for the youngsters.

My man of the match: Tiatia

Cardiff Blues 11-5 Northampton. 28 March 2009

The second semi final of the EDF cup was in stark contrast to the first. Both teams set their stall out early to play expansive and exciting rugby. The first half saw the Blues control the play and they were rewarded with a try through Spice after some fine attacking play. The game was being played at a fair pace and the Saints did well to hold Cardiff at bay. It was disappointing to see the Blues only 8-0 up at half time.
The second half got off to a great start for the Saints as they hit back with a fine try of their own through centre Ansbro. The balance of power was shifting towards the English team and the Blues knew they were really in for a tight game. The moment of the match started from deep inside Cardiff's 22. They secured ball at a scrum and the ball went to the blind side winger Halfpenny. He proceeded to ghost past his opposite number and set off on a mazey, enthralling sprint into Saint's half before off loading to the support. It was a class bit of back play, which failed to turn into points. What it did do though was inspire the Blues to up their game. Leigh's sublime break had the desired effect on opposite wing Tom James. Shortly after he had a powerful run that reminded everyone of his nascent talent. The half was turning into festival of open rugby. Not to be outdone Saint's backs produced some quality play too. Foden was nearly away once, but Gareth Williams the hooker put in a smart tackle. And Halfpenny had one more party piece up his sleeve as chipped over the on rushing defence to regather and sprint deep into the Saint's half. It was a surprise to everyone that more tries were not scored, the game deserved many more. As it was, Ben Blair got a crucial penalty that sealed a good win.
In the second half both teams played some great rugby and it was one of the best club matches I've seen all season.

My man of the match: Halfpenny. Inspirational break.

Gloucester 17-0 Ospreys. 28 March 2009

EDF Semi Final. Just when you think the Ospreys can't get any worse, look out. How they failed to score is beyond a joke. The Welsh side had enough possession throughout the game to win easily. Their problem was that they played as a team of individuals and there was no collective pattern to the play.
Gloucester were able to defend the numerous breaks the Ospreys made and in return took the penalties that came their way. There was a point in the second half when the Ospreys were 6-0 down and had a chance for a kickable penalty. They turned that down for a line out near the Gloucester line hoping to get a try. That was a big decision that went against them.
The game was a poor spectacle, painful at times for Ospreys fans. Gloucester showed nothing in attack but they did finally manage a breakaway try for Balshaw.
Also Henson and Tindall limped off with injuries to dent their Lions hopes.
Hopefully this will be the Ospreys worst performance of the season. On this form they won't improve quick enough to beat Munster in the Heineken Cup.

My man of the match: Olly Morgan

Wales 15-17 Ireland. 21 March 2009

Going into this game I felt destiny was on Ireland's side. It turned out to be a classic 6 nations game full of nail biting tension. Wales matched Ireland in the first half and to my general surprise coped well with Ireland's attacking threats. The Welsh ball carriers targeted O'Gara alot and kept him busy tackling. Wales edged the first half 6 - 0 but Ireland were very much still in the game. This was proved all too early in the second half as Ireland ran in two tries in the first ten minutes to blow the whole game wide open and set them on course for their Grand Slam. The key figure as usual was BOD, and he was involved heavily in the first try, setting up Bowe to race up field and then scrambling over the line after intense pressure on the Welsh line. Wales barely had to absorb that body blow before O'Gara put in a neat cross field kick that found Tommy Bowe out wide. He brushed off Shane Williams and stepped inside Henson to coast in under the posts. A class finish from a class player. A nightmare start for Wales to the second half and the game looked over. Wales somehow dug deep and fought back through penalties from Jones. As the game wore on everyone began to realise it could turn into a tense and exciting finish. The last five minutes produced probably the most memorable of this 6 Nations. Mike Phillips produced a barn storming run that left a trail of Ireland players in his wake. His run took Wales into Ireland's 22 and with some composed play they set-up Stephen Jones for a drop kick that he duly slotted to send the Welsh support into ecstasy. Wales 15, Ireland 14. For a brief moment I actually thought Wales might win this game. From the resulting kick off Wales secured ball but an error from Stephen Jones, a direct kick into touch after the ball was taken into the 22, meant Ireland had a line out. Now it was their turn to show composure and they managed it quite superbly to set-up O'Gara for a drop kick. It sailed over and Welsh spirits sank. Destiny. With only three minutes there was still time for one more piece of high drama. Ireland managed to give away a penalty near the half line and Stephen Jones kick dropped just short. It was a great end to a tense match and those last five minutes were as exciting as anything I've seen sport for a long time.
On balance of play Ireland deserved their victory, they scored the only tries, and in Brian O'Driscoll they had an inspirational leader that put in another World class performance. Worthy Grand Slam winners. Well done Ireland.
As for Wales, I was pleased they ran Ireland close, even though they did not perform to their best.

My man of the match: BOD