Harsh lessons for Ospreys

Nov 11 2007 Wales On Sunday

LYN JONES believes the Ospreys’ hangover after two easy Anglo-Welsh victories led to his side’s below par performance in the Heineken Cup.

The Ospreys had the vital home win over Bourgoin to get their European campaign off to a winning start at the Liberty Stadium.

But the Ospreys coach didn’t hide his frustration as the lack of respect his players showed to the French outfit and European rugby’s premier tournament.

“We need to pick it up against Gloucester,” said Jones.

“What we saw was the hangover from the EDF Energy and we felt this kind of performance had been coming all week.

“We felt we just had to turn up and throw the ball from side-to-side and we would win the game.

“We learnt some harsh lessons but the lesson for the last 140 years is that you have to go forward before you can go wide.

“We weren’t great tactically and Bourgoin exploited that very well. “It won’t be gentle up in Gloucester but we have to be aware of what we need to do in Kingsholm.

“We saw Sonny Parker tap a penalty in front of the posts and you can read into that what you like.

“That kind of lack respect to this competition will find you out. We have to grow up and appreciate this is Heineken Cup.

“Bourgoin aren’t third in the French championship for nothing.

“We have some young players who have to learn all about the Heineken Cup.

“We have played two EDF games and rattled off 14 tries but this is another step up. We are playing the best players in Europe and questions are asked of you.

“We have some talented players but the European Cup, like the World Cup, has a knife-edge to it and you cannot afford to slip below the bar.”

Meanwhile, Ryan Jones, the Wales and Lions No 8, is expected to make his return from a shoulder-injury, which ruled him out of the World Cup, next month.

“Ryan is on course to back for the game against Harlequins in the EDF Energy Cup final at the beginning of December,” said Jones.