Roberts' return to the starting 15 was a quite one, but he did show some strong running and a solid defence which optimised his region's performance.
The 19-3 first half advantage Dai Young’s side took in at the break proved to be the difference as the Ospreys hit back in the second period, led by substitute Mike Philips and winger Richard Fussell, to set up a tense finish in the Welsh capital.
On a night where fireworks will light up the night skies across the country, there was very little spark in the first half. Dan Parks, who is often criticised for not showing attacking impetus was the difference between the sides as Cardiff capitalised on almost every visit in and around the Ospreys 22-metre; while their opponents tried to recreate some of the magic which saw them demoralise the Scarlets earlier in the week.
Two penalties from the Scotland fly-half in the first five minutes of the game was followed by an eighth minute try in the left hand corner from Tom James. The 23-year old capitalised on a Blues overlap after a turnover 25-meters out, as the game was being blitzed by the home side during the opening exchanges – Parks converted.
Man-of-the-match from the Ospreys’ 60-17 home victory over the Scarlets, Dan Biggar, kicked his side their first points of the afternoon shortly afterwards, but two brilliantly taken drop-goals by Parks gave the Blues a 17-3 lead before referee Nigel Owens brought a disappointing first half to a close.
The second period was spiced up after just two minutes from an unlikely source – Owens – as he sin-binned a prop from each side – Tau Filise and Paul James. Trouble at the scrum which has plagued rugby across Europe this season drove the referee to dismiss both men after a series of fracas.
The extra space may or may not have made the difference as Richard Mustoe found the smallest of gaps from a standing start to score a try from nothing beginning at the half-way line.
Both sides made changes as both sides saw some of their star talent roll on, which would have pleased Warren Gatland more than anyone. Leigh Halfpenny returned after his long injury lay off, while Mike Philips came on for the visitors and gave them the aggressive edge they were missing.
The Ospreys began to attack with purpose and lay siege on the Blues line for five minutes and multiple phases, but they were met by a resolute defensive wall. Richard Fussell looked the most likely to break the deadlock with his direct and pacey running, but it was his team-mate, Paul James, who had just returned from his 10-minute break, who breached the line.
Dan Biggar missed the conversion, but James Hook did not make the same mistake when Tommy Bowe scored almost instantly afterwards after intercepting a midfield pass from Parks.
The Ospreys were back to within two scores at 24-15 and were three points closer when Hook landed a penalty, having missed another more difficult attempt.
But with half an eye on the clock, and their first half cushion, the Blues clung onto their lead and just made sure they ended 2010 on a high.
Ceri Sweeney, who came on to replace Parks knocked over a penalty from 40-meters which proved to be crucial, as from the restart he sliced his clearance kick to give the Ospreys the field position to score a 77th minute try though Andrew Bishop. The conversion was kicked by Hook, to set up a tense last two minutes for Cardiff.
The only solace for the fighting Ospreys was a losing bonus point which maintained their second position in the Magners League table, while Cardiff elevated themselves to third and just a point behind their South Wales rivals.
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