Cardiff strengthened their playoff push with a dramatic 24 – 21 derby victory over the Ospreys, ending a wait stretching back to 2007 for a win against their rivals at Cardiff Arms Park.

Having built a commanding 24–7 lead by the 56th minute, Cardiff Rugby were forced to dig deep as the Ospreys mounted a late comeback. Two quick scores late in the game brought the visitors within three points, but Cardiff held firm in the closing stages to secure four crucial points – taking their return from back-to-back derbies to nine.

Post-match, Rory Thornton highlighted the importance of that return in the context of their season ambitions.

“We’ve talked about it from the start of the season that we should probably achieve more than we have the past few years,” he said. “Getting to the playoffs is a big thing for us. With the four games we had left, we really targeted these last two, so to get nine points so far from them, I’m just proud of the boys.”

Cardiff’s attacking intent was clear throughout, something Thornton said had been a major focus in the build-up.

“We’ve put a big emphasis on speed and you could probably see that in my try –  quick tap, straight at them, we’re just going for it. That was a big message of ours this week.”

That urgency helped build Cardiff’s advantage, but it was their resilience that ultimately proved decisive. With a makeshift back row and a yellow card disrupting their pack late on, Cardiff were forced to battle through the final stages of the game.

“They crept back into it, but we talk a lot about our fight,” Thornton added. “We had lads covering out of position and we’d lost a lock, but I’m just proud of the boys for fighting that out to the end. We know what Ospreys are going to do – they’ll go for territory, penalties, the maul – so to hold them out is massive.”

The victory lifts Cardiff into fourth place on 50 points, with results elsewhere still to come this weekend. Thornton pointed to the squad’s togetherness as a key factor in their ability to withstand the pressure of striving for poast-season success in big matches.

“We’re quite tight as a group off the field as well. We try to stick together and have a good laugh, and hopefully you can see that fight on the pitch. Whatever scenario we’re in, backs against the wall, we just focus on our game. I’m so glad the boys dug in at the end and were able to hold out”

The 31-year-old, who has taken his opportunity amid squad rotation and injuries, admitted he remains driven by the simple desire to play.

“You always want to play every game you can. I’ve had a few frustrations with game time over the years, but whenever I get an opportunity, I just try to take it and enjoy it. It’s one game at a time for me, and I just try to enjoy every one.”