Just like starring role in Oliver, Huw is wanting more

Mar 17 2008 South Wales Echo

HUW Bennett has enjoyed this year’s Grand Slam success so much, he definitely wants some more.

After clinching the title against France at the Millennium Stadium, the 6ft hooker said: “I remember when I was a kid, I was in the musical Oliver!

“It lasted a week and I was upset when it finished – I’ve got that same feeling now.

“Don’t get me wrong – I’m not upset to have to go back to my region, but we have got such a good feeling and buzz, you want to keep playing.”

For Bennett, the ecstasy of Saturday evening was in stark contrast to the agony he endured in Dublin.

Having been named in the starting line-up at Croke Park, the Ospreys hooker was forced to miss the game through a bout of ‘flu.

He said: “They say in this profession it’s a mixture of highs and lows.

“The first three games were massive highs.

“But I almost felt suicidal watching the Ireland game in the hotel room.

“A decision had to be made and I don’t regret it because the boys went out there and performed brilliantly, and today I was back on a high.

“We have worked hard to put ourselves in this situation and we knew that it would have to be a very, very good team that was willing to work as hard as us to beat us.

“Everyone knows that the man is putting just as much work as you.

The 24-year-old from Ebbw Vale says it is not just the impact of the new coaching regime which is behind Wales’ unexpected success this season.

“There was a lot of confidence in the squad because two of the regions are in the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup, which is a tremendous achievement,” he added.

“When we first began the campaign it was new to everyone.

“But we are all proud Welshmen who want to do well for our country, and the new coaches brought impetus and everyone wanted to impress.

“We all had a belief in our work rate and knew we would come strong in the end.

“When the game is tight you have still got the confidence because you know that you can go on to make an impact in the last 20 minutes.

“This has come through hard work, but we can put in a lot more.

“The coaches have kept our feet on the ground and hopefully we can raise standards again.

“Everyone mentions Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards, but there is also Rob Howley and Robin McBryde and they have made as big an impact.

“It’s great the way they spoon-feed us information on the opposition, they get the balance just right and give us just enough details to work on.”