Cardiff face Ospreys pressure after Sharks end Arms Park unbeaten run

Cardiff head into their derby at Ospreys under added pressure after taking no points from their Arms Park defeat by Sharks on Friday 23 October.

The result was Cardiff’s second pointless outing of the URC campaign, following their defeat by Leinster. Last season, Glasgow were the only opponents to deny them any match points, BBC News reports.

Sharks became the first visitors to win at the Arms Park in 2026. Cardiff recovered from being behind at the interval, but could not make their wind advantage count and spent the last quarter trapped well within their own territory.

The match came only five days after Cardiff’s Champions Cup loss to Northampton. Saints boss Phil Dowson described that turnaround as “nuts”.

Botham unavailable for derby

Cornel van Zyl’s side are seeking a second consecutive play-off appearance, with one round remaining before the Nations Championship break. Their next opponents have won three successive matches and sit seventh in the URC table.

Cardiff will make the trip without James Botham, who joins Wales as he pushes for selection against Japan. Against Sharks, the back-rower scored twice, completed 27 tackles and secured three turnovers.

Ospreys will also be missing a Wales player: scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams, who scored two tries against Dragons during their St Helen’s homecoming on Saturday 24 October.

St Helen’s, where redevelopment continues, will host Cardiff next. Further work on the ground is due before the derby.

Source: BBC News