Cardiff Blues, fuelled by two tries in a 25-point performance by New Zealander Ben Blair, commanded the Ospreys for most of last night’s match, but in a tense finish lost two of their Welsh internationals — scrum-half Mike Phillips and flanker Martyn Williams.

Phillips was yellow-carded for a spear tackle and Williams was red-carded for attempting to butt Jason Spice, the Ospreys scrum-half who had come on at half-time to replace the injured Justin Marshall.

Phillips did many good things for the Blues as they set up a lead of 27-9 by half-time. But the Ospreys, regrouping and making great progress after the break, were at two stages in the final quarter only six points behind, but the Blues managed to avoid the comeback defeat.

On a dry, cold evening the Ospreys kicked off and could not have contemplated what was coming their way from the Blues in the first half, which ended with the visitors wondering why so many facets of their game had either gone wrong or cracked under pressure.

The Blues had their first points on the board after three minutes with Blair kicking a penalty after Filo Tiatia had been judged offside. Gavin Henson replied with a penalty for the Ospreys just two minutes later, but within seconds the game was to be wrenched away by the Blues as they raised the pace decisively in the early stages.

An interception by Nick Robinson of a pass by Marshall inside his own half sent the Cardiff fly-half racing away in an unstoppable run for a try — and this set the tone for much of the rest of the first half.

The Blues built their lead still further after nine minutes with their second try. This time Blair went over after a pass from Jamie Robinson.

Henson pulled back a penalty for the Ospreys after 15 minutes, but this was quickly cancelled by a 44m penalty by Blair.

Tom Shanklin, the Blues centre, went off for attention after he was taken out in a ruck and while he was absent Henson was wide with a drop-goal attempt and then the Blues increased their command with a third try.

This time Shane Williams was attacking for the Ospreys, but his chip ahead in opposition territory was gathered superbly by Blair, who set off for the distant corner with considerable pace and the obvious belief that he was going to reach his target. Blair not only touched down but added the conversion to establish a 27-6 lead.

With Shanklin’s return, Cardiff now had their strength back in midfield, but one chance to start attacking again was spoiled when Phillips passed straight into touch.

However, the scrum-half made a more valuable contribution when he charged down a kick by Marshall, gaining a useful ricochet, before the Ospreys started to gain some useful territory and their third penalty of the half.

Henson used a penalty award to create a 15m lineout and from that the Ospreys pushed across field at pace with Marshall twice fully testing the Blues’ defence. But all that emerged was a penalty, which Henson kicked after 35 minutes. ()