The defending champions handed over their Celtic crown to Leinster as the Irish side demolished the Dragons to snatch the title from Lyn Jones’s inconsistent side. The Ospreys can no longer overhaul the Blues and must settle for second best after a season that the coach had hoped would see his side cement their status as Wales’s most poweful region. This evening Jones takes his team to Rodney Parade to play Paul Turner’s Dragons in the penultimate match of the campaign. (7.35pm).
The season began badly for the internationally laden team, and despite clinching the EDF Energy Cup with a win over Leicester at Twickenham last month, there is obvious disappointment emanating from the Liberty Stadium.
“Our recent situation in the Magners League is a contrast to the performances we have put in this season in both the EDF Energy Cup and the Heineken Cup where we have scored tries freely and we realise that we need to go ‘back to basics’ and rediscover our true attacking values, encouraging individual decision making and high skill levels,” said Jones.
“As a group we have been disappointed with our attacking game over our last two home matches, performance levels have not been up to the high standard we set ourselves and we share in the frustration that supporters are feeling.”
Jones has to select his 22 without his Wales internationals who are in training camp this week in Ireland ahead of the summer tour to South Africa, meaning a trio of players could make their first appearance in an Ospreys jersey.
“There’s an Ospreys debut on the wing for Leigh Bevan of Swansea RFC and a first start for Rhys Webb, whilst on the bench there is another potential debutant in 17-year-old centre Kristian Phillips,” continued Jones as he announced his side. “Alongside Kristian on the bench is Ashley Beck, who became the youngster-ever Magners League player when he came off the bench against Leinster at the Liberty Stadium back in November.
“It is exciting for coaches and players alike to see these youngsters getting, and taking their opportunities, and with Heineken Cup qualification now assured, I’m sure that all Ospreys supporters are looking forward to seeing what these boys are capable of.”
Ospreys: Gareth Owen; Leigh Bevan, Mark Taylor, Jonathan Spratt, Aled Brew; Shaun Connor, Rhys Webb; Paul James (capt), Richard Hibbard, Cai Griffiths, Andy Lloyd, Lyndon Bateman, Hale T-Pole, Steve Tandy, Tom Smith
Replacements: Ed Shervington, Craig Mitchell, Mike Powell, Filo Tiatia, Martin Roberts, Ashley Beck, Kristian Phillips
