Gavin Henson returned to action for the Ospreys last night but Newport Gwent Dragons grabbed the headlines at Rodney Parade.
Henson’s individual efforts stole the show as he crossed for a brace of tries, but the Dragons ended a six-match losing streak to run out 30-24 winners in the Welsh derby.
The clash was just Henson’s fourth full 80 minutes of rugby in eight months but the 2005 Lion impressed from his unfamiliar position of full back.
His two scores could, and perhaps should, have given the Ospreys the platform to secure what would have been only their second win in six attempts at Rodney Parade, but instead they were left grateful for a losing bonus point thanks to Dan Biggar’s late penalty.
Another Lions tourist provided the critical moment of inspiration for the home side as Colin Charvis produced a pinpoint chip to allow full back James Tovey a free run to the line.
Charvis, who appeared for the Lions against the Wallabies in 2001, kicked the ball behind a flat Ospreys defence, with Tovey collecting to secure a five-point win for the Dragons over their more illustrious neighbours.
