With the Scarlets playing Munster on Saturday, a victory over Edinburgh tonight will see the Ospreys move into fourth place with just one week remaining of the season. After a turbulent year that included Heineken Cup heartbreak and EDF Energy Cup glory, boss Jones is upbeat in his analysis of his side’s performance.
“When you look at how we have been hit by international calls this season, with next week’s Welsh training camp meaning that we would only have been able to select from a full squad for seven of our eighteen Magners League fixtures this season, then to finish as the highest placed Welsh region would be an achievement that we could take great satisfaction from as we look forward to a more favourable fixture list next season,” said Jones.
“Our stated aim for the closing weeks of the season has been to target the top spot amongst the Welsh sides, and a win on Friday night would not only all but guarantee Heineken Cup qualification for next season, but also, could see us rise up to fourth place in the table, overtaking the Scarlets with two away fixtures remaining.”
A big loss for Jones is that of Gavin Henson, who will not be available for the summer months after ankle surgery this week; Henson underwent keyhole surgery on his damaged ankle ligaments on Wednesday. Having assessed the ankle, the specialist felt that it was in Gavin’s best interests to stabilise the joint to ensure there would be no recurrence of the problem and now faces a twelve week lay-off.
“Preparations for Friday night’s game have been hampered a little by a number of injuries in the camp, which is inevitable when you get to the end of a long campaign,” continued Jones. “When you look at the difficult season that our squad has had with so many big games, it comes as no surprise to see players becoming fatigued, especially when the matches continue to come thick and fast.
“Once again, this final week of the season will see our squad stretched to its limit, but it will provide an opportunity for those who maybe haven’t played as much rugby recently to step in and show what they can do.”
Ospreys: Lee Byrne; Aled Brew, Sonny Parker, Andrew Bishop, Johnny Vaughton; James Hook, Justin Marshall; Duncan Jones, Huw Bennett, Cai Griffiths, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Jonathan Thomas, Marty Holah, Ryan Jones (capt)
Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Adam Jones, Ian Gough, Filo Tiatia, Rhys Webb, Shaun Connor, Jonathan Spratt
Edinburgh: MacRae; Maxwell, Cairns, De Luca, Turnbull; Godman, Blair; Allori, Ford, G Cross, Mustchin, Gissing, Hogg, MacDonald, Callam
Replacements: Lawrie, Traynor, Pringle, Newlands, Laidlaw, Blair, Dey
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU)
