Rugby Roundup: Key Wins for Cardiff & Force
In the United Rugby Championship, Cardiff boosted their play-off hopes with a narrow 8-7 victory over Leinster. Meanwhile, in Super Rugby Pacific, the Western Force secured their first win in New Zealand since 2022 by defeating Moana Pasifika.
Cardiff's gritty win at a rain-soaked Arms Park was secured by a second-half try from scrum-half Aled Davies. A lone penalty from Callum Sheedy in the first half was the only other score for the home side in the tense United Rugby Championship encounter. The victory over the reigning champions was a significant upset, putting Cardiff back into the URC title picture. Leinster, who were heavy favorites, only managed a late converted try from Luke McGrath with just over 10 minutes remaining, but Cardiff's defense held firm for a memorable win. For the Western Force, the 35-19 victory in Pukekohe was their first of the Super Rugby Pacific season and snapped a nine-match winless streak stretching back to April of last year. It marked just the second away win under coach Simon Cron. The result was the Force's first victory on New Zealand soil since they also defeated Moana Pasifika in 2022, and only their second win in their last 25 matches in the country. The Australian side ran in five tries to lift themselves off the bottom of the league table. Former All Black George Bridge was a standout for the Force, scoring his maiden try for the club. Fly-half Ben Donaldson, who passed a late fitness test to play, also played a key role, setting up the opening try for winger Darby Lancaster.
