Here are your rugby headlines for Sunday December 18
Ospreys pull off sensational win for the ages
The Ospreys pulled off a stunning 21-10 victory over French champions Montpellier last night to revive their European Champions Cup campaign.
It was the Welsh region's first win in the competition for two years and according to the BT Sport commentator this was a result which 'will send shockwaves throughout Europe.'
After a draw and 11 straight defeats in he competition, the Ospreys finally ended their losing run with a performance full of commitment and character to notch a colossal victory on the road - their first in France since they beat Bourgoin in 2008.
Co-commentator Shane Williams, himself an Ospreys legend, gave back-rower Morgan Morris the man of the match award after he scored the clinching try near the end. Sam Parry and Kieran Williams also touched down as the Ospreys produced their best performance of the season and probably one of the region's finest in Europe.
Montpellier were red-hot favourites to win the tie in their own backyard, but were stunned by the resolve of an Ospreys side who bounced back superbly from their opening day loss at home to Leicester.
They were marshalled throughout by the superb Rhys Webb, who continued his rich vein of form this season and put down a massive Wales marker to Warren Gatland. Webb was ostracised by Wayne Pivac, but he is pushing hard for a Six Nations return under the new Welsh coach.
The result capped off a superb day for the Welsh regions, with Scarlets and the Ospreys also recoring resounding triumphs away from home.
Peel sets sights on Ospreys derby clash after Euro cracker
Scarlets boss Dwayne Peel set his sights on the Boxing Day Welsh derby showdown with the Ospreys after watching his side record a thumping 46-26 triumph over the Cheetahs in Italy.
Young Wales playmaker Sam Costelow was star of the show in the bonus point victory and is another who has just sent a Six Nations message to Warren Gatland.
The 21-year-old was sensational in Parma with his game-management and kicked six penalties and a conversion as the Scarlets followed an opening Challenge Cup win over Bayonne with another thumping triumph.
The second victory puts them in very strong position to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Peel said afterwards: "I thought we had played some excellent stuff. We have a massive game against the Ospreys on Boxing Day and this has given us some confidence as we prepare for that one."
Cardiff smash English side as they roar to victory too
Cardiff made it two wins from two in the Challenge Cup with a convincing 47-10 victory away to Newcastle.
A brace of tries from Josh Adams and further scores from Rhys Priestland, Owen Lane, Rhys Carre and Mason Grady ensured David Young's side had far too much for the English Premiership outfit and means they sit top of Pool A with maximum points.
“I couldn’t ask much more of them. We were in control for most of the game and we’re really pleased with the performance," said Young.
“We did the grunt work first, which was important. Our front five stood up, which is normally the area where everyone chucks stones at us. But our front five did a great job in giving us a platform and we showed what we can do if we can get some quick ball and penetration.
“We have got dangerous players that can play some real good rugby and cause teams problems.”
Last-gasp woe for Dragons
The Dragons were unable to make it a clean sweep of wins for Welsh sides as they fell 21-27 at home to Pau.
The Gwent side thought they had won right at the end when Max Clark powered over the try line. Originally, the referee awarded the score, but it was ruled out by the TMO with replays confirming the former Bath centre had been held up.
The result was a big setback for the Dragons who are facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages of the competition. In the end their inaccuracy and poor discipline cost them against a gritty French side who were far from full-strength.
Borthwick leaves Leicester for England
Steve Borthwick told Leicester's players he is leaving the club to take over from Eddie Jones as England boss, report the Telegraph.
The paper say Borthwick gave the news after the Tigers' 23-26 Champions Cup win over Clermont at Welford Road.
Borthwick had earlier refused to confirm to the media that he would be in place for the huge league fixture against Gloucester on Christmas Eve.
“I think we want to enjoy the win today,” Borthwick said.
“I understand that everyone has to ask the [England] question and I know you understand why I’m saying that I want to enjoy today’s result.
“It’s a special club. I’ve got to coach a group of players for the last two and a half years that I care for deeply. There’s not much more I can say at this stage.”
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