Here are your rugby headlines for Saturday March 25.
Shane: Moriarty with Wales point to prove
Snubbed Wales Six Nations star Ross Moriarty will be using today's Welsh derby showdown with the Ospreys to "prove a point" to Warren Gatland, reckons Shane Williams.
Wales' record try scorer Shane will be commentating on the clash between the Ospreys and Dragons in his role as a Viaplay pundit.
READ MORE: Wales legend predicts World Cup final, how Gatland's men will fare and tips Ireland to flop
And as the battle hots up between the regions for the Welsh Shield, Shane said: "The Dragons are definitely more than capable of beating the Ospreys, they did last time out and that what’s makes it such an exciting game in prospect.
“The Dragons players seem to up their game for these local derbies, it’s about bragging rights and pride and you can imagine the likes of Aaron Wainwright and Ross Moriarty being up for this. Ross hasn’t been in that Six Nations team, he’s got a point to prove, he’s been playing particularly well for the Dragons as well so he’ll come out steam coming out of ears, that’s great and that’s what we want to see."
Moriarty was a surprise Gatland omission for the Six Nations and will be keen to get his place back in the Welsh back-row. Positions will be up for grabs for Gatland's World Cup squad, with many believing Moriarty is the kind of blockbusting presence Wales missed while finishing fifth in the Guinness Six Nations. He knows a Welsh derby, with the management watching on, is an ideal opportunity to put down a World Cup marker.
Nige calls for everyone 'to do the right thing'
Legendary referee Nigel Owens has called on Welsh rugby to do the right thing ahead of member clubs being asked to vote for radical change at Sunday's EGM.
The World Cup final official aired his highly-respected views in his column for WalesOnline.
He writes: "The WRU has been under the spotlight for months, but it is important to remember just how unique it is as a governing body. It doesn’t just cater for the professional end of the game, it is responsible for all levels of rugby within Wales, right from the very grassroots when you start tag rugby all the way through to when you run out at the Principality Stadium.
"The union’s remit is huge and every level of the Welsh game has its own challenges. Because of this, we need different experiences and expertise at all levels of the game.
"That’s why I hope that Sunday will see everyone involved putting the game first. That means all levels, not just the international end or the community end or in the middle at the semi-pro level. All levels of the game have to be the priority because we're all in this together.
"These different levels cannot act in their own interests. Everybody has to do what is best for the game as a whole, and make sure that people who will make good decisions across the game are put in a position where they will be able to make meaningful contributions." Read Nigel Owens' column in full here.
Scarlets primed for 'Boks battering
Dwayne Peel has warned his Scarlets they will have to withstand a 'Boks battering if they are to get anything out of their return to action on Saturday night.
While the region are unable to rely on their rested and the wounded after their Six Nations efforts, the Sharks will come armed to their sharpest teeth from South Africa in the shape of 10 Springbok internationals.
The Scarlets do give a welcome first start to Wales centre Johnny Williams after almost seven months, but head coach Peel has admitted the clash – which is being broadcast live on S4C – represents a dive back in the deep end.
“They have got seven, eight Springboks – and probably more – who are world-renowned names,” said Peel. “We know it’s going to be a very physical battle. Their Springboks have been in camp for a while and they have a home draw in the Heineken European Cup next week, which they are gearing up for as well.
“So, it’s going to be a very big challenge for us. Whenever you play South African sides, regardless of what names are on the team-sheet, you know you have to reach a level of physicality, be error-free and also be able to put pressure on them."
The Scarlets are without rested Wales captain Ken Owens, Wyn Jones, Rhys Patchell and Leigh Halfpenny, but scrum-half Kieran Hardy does figure after his Wales efforts and he is on the replacements bench.
Flanker Aaron Shingler, out since January, also returns and is named alongside Hardy on the bench.
The Sharks’ international strength runs from head to tail with an entire Springboks front row of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Thomas du Toit. Eben Etzebeth starts in the second row, with Springboks captain Siya Kolisi packing down in the back row behind him. Fellow internationals Jaden Hendrikse and Curwin Bosch are the half-backs, while 'Bok centre Lukhanyo Am partners Rohan Janse van Rensburg in midfield. World Cup winner Makazole Mapimpi is also back at left wing to take the Springboks representation into double figures.
Scarlets v Sharks is being broadcast live on S4C on Saturday from 4.45pm.
Young delight as Cardiff hang on
Cardiff boss David Young was delighted as his side clung on for a crucial 34-30 win away to Zebre.
Cardiff had seemingly put the game to bed with four tries to their name and a 34-18 lead with 13 minutes to go. The Italians fought back with two tries to set up a nailbiting finale, but Cardiff clung on for a bonus point victory.
"We won that game three times - yet in the end we didn't win it until right to the end," said Young as he reflected upon Zebre's fightback. "There are things to improve on, but we've come here and got five points. We march on."
Leinster guarantee top spot in URC despite draw with Stormers
Leinster were guaranteed top spot in the BKT United Rugby Championship despite seeing their 15-match winning run in the competition come to an end in a pulsating 22-22 draw with the Stormers.
Manie Libbok and Harry Byrne both squandered potential match-winning kicks at the RDS late on. Byrne went closest to deciding this top-of-the-table contest, hitting the post with a 76th-minute penalty after Libbok had failed to convert Clayton Blommetjies' levelling try.
Minus their Ireland Grand Slam winners, leaders Leinster were content to settle for a draw having trailed by 17 points at one stage. It was their 19-match winning run in all competitions come to an end.
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