Adopted Frenchman Wyatt out to rock the Ospreys

Nov 6 2007 by Simon Thomas, Western Mail

CHRIS WYATT insists Bourgoin mean business in Europe this season as they set their sights on rocking the star-studded Ospreys.

The French club’s commitment to the Heineken Cup has frequently been called into question following a series of lacklustre performances over the years.

They lost all six group matches last term and haven’t won on the road in Europe in their last 14 attempts.

So few people will be expecting much of them when they travel to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday for their Pool 2 opener.

But former Wales lock Wyatt, who switched from Munster in the summer, has warned the Ospreys they are in for a real battle.

“I know Bourgoin’s attitude has been questioned in the past, but every player in our squad wants to do well in this tournament,” he said.

“The Heineken Cup offers the best opportunity outside of international rugby to test yourself. You’ve got the big players and the big matches.”

And the 38-times capped Wyatt hopes his inside knowledge on the opposition could prove the key factor this weekend.

“I’ll certainly be talking to the guys about what I know of the Ospreys, but I’d better keep those details under my hat!” he said.

“It’s difficult to gauge the impact of the World Cup on the Ospreys. It’s very difficult for the guys who have under-performed in the World Cup.

“I’ve been there myself and the first thing you want to do is bounce back and show what you are really capable of.

“Playing a team of the Ospreys’ pedigree, particularly with their new signings, will be a big challenge.

“They will no doubt come out with all guns blazing and they certainly have the ability to damage you.”

Wyatt, who made 60 Heineken Cup appearances for the Scarlets, says he is enjoying his new challenge in France.

“I have settled in really well at Bourgoin,” said the 32-year-old.

“The language has been a bit difficult, but they are a great bunch of lads and they’ve made me feel really welcome.

“Training and playing is a completely different world to the one I’ve been used to before.

“There is a lot less contact for the forwards and we spend a lot more time on our feet. It’s definitely a case of an old dog learning new tricks!

“The attitude towards the role of the forwards over here is totally different and – even at my age – I am learning new skills and techniques and I’m really enjoying it.

“The biggest challenge for me was getting back onto the pitch after a back injury and it’s been really hard work so I’m looking forward to the opportunity to get back into European rugby.”

Bourgoin will be without injured French World Cup star Olivier Milloud, but Wyatt is confident they can cope with the loss.

“Of course it’s a big blow for us because Olivier is an awesome prop and I had been really looking forward to the opportunity to play with him,” he said.

“That said, we have more great props who are hungry to play and will seize this opportunity to prove themselves, so we will make the most of it.”

Looking at the competition as a whole, Wyatt – who has made more Heineken Cup appearances than any other Welshman – said, “There are so many big names in the competition this year so it’s tough to pick a favourite.

“But, obviously, apart from us, I have to say Leicester are the team to beat.

“I was surprised, along with a lot of other people, that they didn’t win the title last year and they have such a strong squad that they are really the side to watch yet again.”

Aside from Milloud, Bourgoin have few big names on their books, with fly-half Benjamin Boyet – who played for France against New Zealand this summer – one of their few internationals.

And Ospreys coach Lyn Jones admits he doesn’t know what to expect from a team who lie third in the French championship after winning 18-16 at Auch last weekend yet are habitual Heineken under-performers.

“They are an unknown quantity in Europe,” said Jones.

“They tend to throw their efforts into their domestic competition. So we don’t know what will turn up.

“But what we have to do is understand the fine line that the European Cup brings to a game of rugby.

“There’s a lot of emotion involved and discipline is key if you to succeed in this competition.

“We’ve scored 98 points in our last two games (EDF wins over Worcester and London Irish), but this week there could be just one score in it.”