“After the high of last Saturday’s win over Gloucester, we’ve had to refocus on what promises to a tough challenge for us out in France on Sunday afternoon,” said Jones.
“The performance against Gloucester was one of real quality all the way through the twenty-two, and having set such high standards in that game we will need every individual who pulls on the Ospreys shirt this Sunday to reach that same level again if we are going to get the win that is necessary for us to progress to the knockout stage for the first time.
“There were inspirational performances right across the field and the win has raised levels of self belief in the camp ahead of the next challenge, so we travel to France in a confident mood.”
“We face Bourgoin knowing that we must do what we have to do yet if we are to progress, and that is to win in France, and if you are going to achieve any kind of success in the Heineken Cup, then you have to do so at some stage.
“Bourgoin will certainly present a real challenge to us, as is always the case with any French side, regardless of the fact that they have no hope of qualification. They have competed well in every game in this season’s Heineken Cup and I am sure Sunday will be no different.
“The atmosphere in training this week has been charged to say the least, with all the players keen to state their case for selection in such a big match, nobody wants to miss out. Everyone in the Ospreys camp, players, coaching team and management alike, are excited about the game; Sunday afternoon can’t come soon enough.”
Three players are not available for Ospreys selection this week: Andrew Bishop has had a pin inserted in a small bone in his hand and is expected to be out for about 5 weeks while Richard Hibbard suffered internal bruising in the stomach area after accidentally landing on a stray boot when scoring his try against Gloucester last Saturday. It is anticipated that he will return to full training next week
Barry Williams is undergoing a four-month rehabilitation programme following keyhole surgery on his hip last week
Bourgoin have struggled this season in the Heineken Cup and lost 25-24 to Ulster in Belfast last weekend. But the French side have already beaten Ulster at home this season so the Welsh region must watch out.
Bourgoin: A Forest; M Nicolas, R Coetzee, S Laloo, J Coux; M Parra, M Forest; A Tchougong, J Genevois, P Cardinali, J Pierre (Capt), C Wyatt, J Frier, A Petrilli, W Jooste
Replacements: K Wihongi, O Sourgens, B Williams, B Monzeglio, N Carmona, M Viazzo, F Denos
Ospreys: L Byrne; N Walker, S Parker, G Henson, S Williams; J Hook, J Marshall; D Jones, H Bennett, A Jones, I Gough, A Jones, R Jones (Capt), M Holah, F Tiatia
Replacements: E Shervington, P James, I Evans, J Thomas, M Phillips, M Taylor, J Vaughton
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
