Ospreys call for strong Millennium support

Mar 21 2008 by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo

THE Ospreys are hoping to be backed by a following of more than 10,000 of their fans at tomorrow’s EDF semi-final against Saracens at the Millennium Stadium.

And chairman Roger Blyth has made a last appeal to any of the regions followers wavering about heading for the capital to be there in person.

“Last season we took around 10,000 supporters to our semi-final against the Blues and it would be nice to think that we can top that this time,” said Blyth ahead of a last-four double-header in Cardiff that will open with Leicester against Wasps.

“There’s a real buzz about Welsh rugby right now given the fantastic results for Wales in the Six Nations Championship.

“It would be great to see thousands of our fans at the Millennium Stadium cheering them on against Saracens.

“We realise that it’s a very busy time for rugby fans in general and Ospreys fans in particular with two big cup games coming up, but we’d urge as many as possible to make the effort to be there.”

Meanwhile, hooker Richard Hibbard, who will start tomorrow, is relishing the chance to show what he can do in a high profile encounter.

“The Six Nations has given me a chance to work on the areas of the game I needed to work on and not being involved with Wales has given me that extra push to say, ‘get there,’” said the 24-year-old.

“Huw Bennett and I are pushing each other constantly and hopefully we can keep pushing each other to the end of the season.

“We missed the international boys and now they’ve come back and told us all the stories. They’re all in great spirits.

“They have some silverware and there’s an urge to get more now. It’s hard not to get inspired.”