Issue 153

Ospreys still hold promise

26th February 2007

Looking back in years to come, this season in the Ospreys' history could be viewed as one of their best chances of success in the Celtic League and in Europe, but whether they will get their hands on some silverware for the cabinet remains to be seen.

Not many domestic teams can boast a victory over the touring Australians, but that is exactly what the Neath- Swansea region did earlier this season. As a result, Ospreylia was born (which, incidentally, still exists on Ordnance Survey maps!).

After a 24-16 win, confidence at the Liberty Stadium was high, and the Ospreys have delivered on some fronts.

The Ospreys were Wales' best chance of success in Europe this season but they fell at the first hurdle, failing to go beyond the group stages. There were some memorable matches along the way, particularly the home win against Sale Sharks (17-16) and the 22-22 home draw against Stade Francais. Both were highly exciting games and the Welsh region showed a lot of promise but failed to live up to expectations.

By the last match in the group stages, the Ospreys had a mountain to climb and an 18-7 loss to Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park sent Lyn Jones' team back to the drawing board.

There is still some hope of a successful EDF Cup campaign, with a semi-final fixture against Cardiff Blues at the Millennium Stadium scheduled for March 24. A win would secure a place in the Twickenham final against either Leicester Tigers or Sale Sharks. Either match is a mouth-watering prospect, although Leicester are a lesser known quantity this season.

The Ospreys currently lie in third place in the Magners League, and without a doubt, the most memorable match of their season so far would be the 50-24 victory over rivals Llanelli Scarlets on Boxing Day. Seven matches remain in the league, with some of the most promising fixtures of the season yet to come. If the Ospreys are to progress further up the table, they must overcome Leinster and Munster as well as Welsh rivals the Dragons at Rodney Parade and Llanelli Scarlets at Stradey Park. None of these games will be easy, and Lyn Jones must be hoping that the Welsh internationals will all be available to him when crunch time comes.

One surprise rumour circulating at the Liberty Stadium at present is the transfer of Mike Phillips from Cardiff Blues. Nothing has been confirmed yet by either team, but if the rumour is true, then there will doubtlessly be some movement at scrum-half.

Early indications are that Kiwi Jason Spice could be heading in the opposite direction, while a shadow has also been cast over the future of Spice's fellow countryman Justin Marshall. Spare a thought too for the young scrum half Martin Roberts who must be thinking that his days at the region are numbered.

One departure confirmed this season is that of Derwyn Jones from his position as manager. In came Kevin Hopkins, and what bearing this has on the future of coach Lyn Jones remains to be seen. It may be that both parties will work well together, but there must be a suspicion that Hopkins may be eyeing the hot seat. Or could there be a move for a certain Grand Slam-winning coach? Watch this space!

All in all, this season could be the Ospreys' most successful to date. As long as the Welsh players come back fighting from a generally poor Six Nations campaign, then Lyn Jones' men must be fancying their chances.

Alun Rhys Chivers