‘Shane can have the Cherry and Whites at his feet’

Jan 12 2008 by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo

THE dazzling feet of Shane Williams can prove the difference this evening, when the Ospreys welcome Gloucester for a crunch Heineken Cup clash they daren’t lose.

That’s the view of former All Black powerhouse Filo Tiatia, who will stand at the apex of a formidable home back row trio against the Cherry and Whites that also comprised Welsh international Ryan Jones and fellow Kiwi Marty Holah.

More than 18,000 are expected to pack the Liberty Stadium for what is a revenge mission for Lyn Jones’ side after they lost 26-18 at Kingsholm in the earlier stages of the pool.

And Tiatia believes Williams will, as ever, be the likeliest to unlock the opposition defence.

“He’s one of the classiest players I have seen and I have played with and against a lot of classy players,” said Tiatia.

“I rate him up there with Christian Cullen.

“The pair of them are very similar in terms of style and being expressive.

“They are guys who can run at the same speed and change angles and still keep running at top pace.

“They are very hard to contain.”

But while Williams’ trickery is sure to be pivotal it could well be the power game of Tiatia and his ilk that is even more key.

And the 6ft 4ins, 17st 8lbs fellow stressed the Ospreys score heavily in that department too.

“We have a number of people who can take the ball up,” says Tiatia.

“As well as Ryan, Marty Holah is a pretty strong carrier and it’s good to see Duncan Jones running more and Jonathan Thomas adds a bit of spark when he comes onto the field.

“So a lot of players are taking ownership instead of relying on an old-style forward game where you just expect the No. 8 to run.

“Everybody is capable of running with the ball.

“You look at Alun Wyn and Ian Gough – and Huw Bennett is carrying a lot more as well.

“It is good to see Ryan back.

“He brings confidence, he’s a natural leader and he’s good at the things he does.”

Ospreys coach Lyn Jones reckons a vocal home support could tip the scales his team’s way.

“Small things will determine who gains the spoils this weekend,” he said.

“And with Gloucester bringing a large contingent of vocal supporters from their West Country “shed” it is vital they are matched by a vocal Liberty Stadium crowd.

“The response from our supporters has been fantastic and it is set to be a packed house and should be an occasion for all to savour.”

Should the Ospreys win they would require a victory away to Bourgoin next weekend to book a probable place in the knockout stages at a best runner-up.

Gloucester would still have the pool in their hands – and will win it by beating struggling Ulster at Kingsholm.

A triumph for the Cherry and Whites tonight will as good as spell the end of the Ospreys’ interest in the European tournament.

Ospreys: L Byrne; N Walker, S Parker, G Henson, S Williams; J Hook, J Marshall; D Jones, H Bennett, A Jones; I Gough, A Wyn Jones; R Jones (capt), M Holah, F Tiatia. Reps: R Hibbard, P James, I Evans, J Thomas, M Phillips, M Taylor, J Vaughton,Gloucester: I Balshaw; J Simpson-Daniel, M Tindall, A Allen, L Lloyd; R Lamb, G Cooper; N Wood, A Titterrell, C Nieto; M Bortolami (capt), A Brown; P Buxton, A Qera, G Delve. Reps: O Azam, C Califano, L Narraway, A Strokosch, R Lawson, C Paterson, W Walker.delme.parfitt@mediawales.co.uk R Hibbard, P James, I Evans, J Thomas, M Phillips, M Taylor, J Vaughton,

Gloucester: I Balshaw; J Simpson-Daniel, M Tindall, A Allen, L Lloyd; R Lamb, G Cooper; N Wood, A Titterrell, C Nieto; M Bortolami (capt), A Brown; P Buxton, A Qera, G Delve. Reps: O Azam, C Califano, L Narraway, A Strokosch, R Lawson, C Paterson, W Walker.delme.parfitt@mediawales.co.uk O Azam, C Califano, L Narraway, A Strokosch, R Lawson, C Paterson, W Walker.

delme.parfitt@mediawales.co.uk