Cardiff beat Ospreys to improve URC play-off hopes

Wales prop Gareth Thomas had initially been passed fit to start for Ospreys after passing a head injury assessment with fellow loose-head Garyn Phillips ruled out.

Thomas was ruled out before kick-off and replaced by his cousin and namesake Steffan.

Kasende sees red as Ospreys struggle with discipline

Ospreys also named wing Luke Morgan who suffered online abuse after his challenge on Sharks' Ethan Hooker in the 21-17 win in Bridgend.

Morgan was briefly forced off early with a blood injury and replaced by Max Nagy, before Belcher was shown a yellow card for an illegal clearout on Morgan Morris.

Cardiff managed the period expertly while down to 14 men with Sheedy slotting over the opening penalty.

Kasende was initially shown a yellow card for leading with his forearm, when in possession, into the face of Sheedy, an offence that was upgraded to a 20-minute red card.

The hosts took advantage of their extra man when Thornton burrowed over against his former side.

Cardiff close out victory despite late Ospreys rally

Ospreys were reduced to 13 players when Watkin was shown a yellow card, but Cardiff failed to score in that period.

The visitors, still with one fewer player, were indebted to a brilliant break from Wales fly-half Edwards which set up Williams.

Nagy came on for the third time in the half to ensure it was 15 against 15 for the first time in more than 30 minutes as Cardiff led 10-7 at half-time.

Ospreys' ill-discipline continued early in the second half when Edwards was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.

Cardiff soon took advantage with hooker Belcher crossing from short range before impressive flanker and player-of-the-match Thomas also scored with Sheedy slotting over two conversions.

Ospreys rallied with a scything break from replacement prop Cam Jones setting up Walsh, before Cardiff lock McNally was shown a yellow card five minutes from time.

Edwards popped over for a converted try to bring Ospreys to within three points and set up a rousing conclusion.

Cardiff forced a penalty, but refused a kick at goal to search in vain for the bonus-point try, but at the end still managed to cling on for a vital victory.

How they lined up

Cardiff: Winnett; Beetham, B Thomas, Jennings, Bowen; Sheedy, Mulder; Barratt, Belcher (capt), Sebastian, McNally, Thornton, Lawrence, D Thomas, Basham.

Replacements: Hughes, Southworth, Assiratti, Nott, E Lloyd, Bevan, E Evans, I Lloyd.

Sin-bin: Belcher 7, McNally 75

Ospreys: Walsh; Kasende, Watkin, K Williams, L Morgan; Edwards, Morgan-Williams; S Thomas, Parry, Botha, R Davies, Smith, Ratti, J Morgan (capt), M Morris.

Replacements: Daniel, C Jones, Warren, Sutton, Moriarty, Deaves, Hardy, Nagy.

Red card (20 minutes): Kasende 17

Sin-bin: Watkin 24, Edwards 44

Referee: Christopher Allison (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Adam Jones (Wales), Carwyn Sion (Wales).

TMO: Morne Ferreira (South Africa).