Issue 145

Ospreys new-look squad start well

25th September 2006

The Ospreys have been a bit of a yo-yo team in recent seasons. Two seasons ago the Ospreys clinched what was then the Celtic League with a series of impressive wins, but last season brought a mid table finish after a mediocre spell around Christmas. Only after a late season push saw the side climb away from the bottom of the table.

However ,this season complete with new sponsor (Magners) should be another top table finish for the Ospreys with all their top men like Ryan Jones and Gavin Henson nursed back to health and top form.. Lyn Jones has added to the squad with some high profile summer signings such as Welsh international Lee Bryne and, more notably, Justin Marshall. The latter being one of the world's best scrum halves having won 81 caps as an All Black. He has the grit and fight that will be needed for the Magners League campaign.

The bolstered squad is a necessity. The Anglo Welsh Cup and the Heineken Cup are tough proving grounds and will be the measure of success to judge the Ospreys by.

Initial form at this early stage of the season has been a bit suspect. Unimpressive performances against Edinburgh, Connacht and Cardiff have led to criticism of coach Lyn Jones. However despite those poor performances the Ospreys currently find themselves sitting in second position in the Magner's League and an improved display in the second half of the recent game with Borders has once again raised hopes of a strong challenge on al fronts.

While all the focus has been on the plethora of new signings at the Liberty Stadium it has been some of the region's younger players who have taken the chance to shine.

Among that number is 21 year old centre James Hook who, having been capped by his country on the summer tour to Argentina, has started the season with some assured displays which has led to specualtion that he may well fill the Wales number 12 jersey ahead of his more illustrious team mate Gavin Henson.

This season also sees an extra test however comes in the form of a golden jersey. The Wallabies are coming to town for a mid week match on 1 November, their first against a Welsh regional side. This historic match is certainly win-able, In the days when Swansea and Neath were separate clubs, Swansea beat Australia 21- 6 at St Helens in 1992. A match that will always be remembered as one of the greatest days in club rugby history.

Players with Kiwi origin may view this with the extra edge that one would expect of a Tri Nation test. Players like Justin Marshall will therefore be looking to be at his very best against trans-tasman opposition.

Stuart Phillips