Wales selection battle intensifies as under-threat regions claim first wins of URC season

There was western relief after Ospreys and Scarlets got up and running in the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship (URC) season.

The two sides are playing amid uncertainty over their futures under controversial Welsh Rugby Union plans, yet produced the goods on the pitch in round three.

Ospreys won an engrossing derby against Dragons at Rodney Parade, inflicting a first defeat of the season on their hosts, while Scarlets sneaked past Benetton thanks to Sam Costelow's late penalty.

Cardiff, who started with two wins from two, showed spirit in defeat by champions Leinster but left Dublin with nothing to show for their efforts.

There were 24 tries scored in the three games involving Welsh sides, with the interesting subplot of the scrap for international selection.

Steve Tandy was given plenty to ponder before naming his Wales squad for the Nations Championship on 20 October.

Rogers grasps chance at 15

Tom Rogers made the short move to Ospreys from Scarlets with the intention of playing predominantly as a full-back.

Head coach Mark Jones sees things slightly differently, insisting the 27-year-old was signed as a hybrid back.

Rogers started on the right wing against both Sharks and Lions before getting the 15 jersey against Dragons and winning man of the match.

He was a running threat throughout and showed his bravery in defence when putting his body to deny number eight Harri Keddie.

"I really loved the way he beat the first man almost every time to get us on the front foot," said Jones.

"Other than one speculative chip, his decision-making about when to bring it back and when to kick it was spot on.

"I loved the way he worked in the backfield and filled space. He has made a great start in that position and it will be interesting to see how the others respond."

Scarlets find their swagger

Despite the loss of Rogers in the summer, Scarlets showed they still possess plenty of threat in the back three.

Staring down the barrel of another loss when trailing Benetton 21-7 at half-time, Blair Murray, Ellis Mee and Macs Page helped swing the game before Costellow's late kick.

Full-back Murray was player of the match after being a constant menace with ball in hand and coming up with a crucial interception.

That try was followed by a stunning finish by Mee after a break by Page, who continued his strong start to the season.

Mee scored his second with fast footwork and, after starting against Argentina and South Africa in July, has the nuts and bolts to remain in Tandy's Wales line-up.

"We want to create an environment where we get these guys on the ball," said Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies.

"Because of the errors in our game, we couldn't do that in the first half, but in the second half we did.

"Our highlight reel is quite spectacular after three games, but we need to be more consistent in how we deliver that."

With Bristol's Louis Rees-Zammit having returned to the wing and Josh Adams nearing a return from injury for Cardiff, wide slots are being taken up for the Wales squad.

But if Tandy wants stardust then uncapped Page, an unused member of the touring party to Japan in 2025, could be a wildcard option.

"He has a low centre of gravity, is very quick and has a great rugby brain," said Davies.

"He is similar to someone like Shane Williams - he is all X-factor and is probably one of the first names on our team sheet."

Dee a driving force

The driving line-out is a huge weapon across the leagues in 2026-27 and line-outs were a source for seven of the 10 tries scored at Rodney Parade.

Elliot Dee has filled his boots in the opening rounds of the campaign with a late leveller at Benetton followed by two tries against both Scarlets - when he was man of the match - and Ospreys.

Dragons have not only just developed their maul - it helped their hookers combine for 14 tries in 2025-26 - but the new enforcement of laws have helped.

Players from the defending team must detach and go to the back when they move past the ball, meaning fewer disruptors.

"It was a weapon last season and working hard at the things you are good at usually pays dividends," said Wales hooker Dee.

"We were disappointed Ospreys also scored a few off the driving maul.

"It definitely gives the attacking team an advantage, as soon as you slip up the side you have to get out of there now.

"It's hard to stop because you are retreating to the back and it gives a second or two of less weight [for the defending team]. It's a good rule, and it's good for the game."

Dee is now hoping his scoring exploits can put pressure on Dewi Lake and Ryan Elias for a Test return having played against Wales in the summer for Barbarians.

Cardiff's fixture challenge

Cardiff went down to an expected defeat by URC champions Leinster despite a plucky effort in Dublin.

They go from one huge challenge to another with a Champions Cup trip to face Northampton - who scored 11 tries in a remarkable and slightly farcical, 71-48 win against Bath on Saturday.

Corniel van Zyl will have in mind two starting line-ups in one selection meeting given the five-day turnaround between facing the English champions before the Sharks in the URC.

It is here where the Welsh budget constraints, evident at Leinster, are felt.

Cardiff at least got a boost from Tonga forward Semisi Paea making a debut while full-back Matty Young, stepping up from Super Rygbi Cymru, made lively contributions on his first URC start.

But Blue and Blacks are stretched and are still without Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau, who they opted not to risk in Ireland despite naming him in the line-up on Thursday.

Faletau was part of the warm-up in Dublin but not the game, having Taine Basham a start that he capitalised on with another performance to give Tandy a nudge.

Wales are blessed in that area given Leicester fielded an entire Welsh back-row in their Prem match against Bath but an on-song Basham, who won the last of his 17 caps against England in 2024, has dynamism that few of his rivals can match.