**Pre-lockdown there were distinctly contrasting feelings around the Ospreys and Dragons.** At Rodney Parade, the Dean Ryan revolution had the Dragons on an upward trajectory – five wins in the Guinness PRO14, a European quarter-final and a series of impressive displays starting to put years of frustration among the supporters behind them. Meanwhile, Ospreys were enduring a campaign to forget as just two victories all season had them rooted to the foot of Conference A. Yet the enforced break due to COVID-19 appears to have benefitted both teams as they head into the Rugby Restart full of optimism. The Dragons have recruited strongly with international stars such as Nick Tompkins, Jonah Holmes and Jamie Roberts strengthening the ranks, even if a positive COVID-19 test means Roberts’ first game in the PRO14 since 2013 will have to wait. As for Ospreys, skipper Justin Tipuric has claimed it’s a fresh start at the Liberty Stadium with Toby Booth appointed as their new head coach in February and insisting any pre-lockdown struggles won’t weigh them down moving forward. There may not be Guinness PRO14 Finals Series places at stake in Swansea on Sunday but the contest will give serious clues as to the future direction of both teams, making it a must-see.
