My boys have proved worth, says Ospreys’ Lyn

Feb 13 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

OSPREYS head coach Lyn Jones said Warren Gatland’s decision to axe four of his players from the Wales team has nothing to do with their performances.

Gatland’s early team announcement sees half-back pair Mike Phillips (below) and James Hook relegated to the bench, and no place in the starting line-up for props Adam and Duncan Jones.

The Ospreys quartet make way for Dwayne Peel, Stephen Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Rhys Thomas as the Kiwi coach looks to utilise all the experience in his squad.

And head coach Jones is confident his Ospreys players could have done no more in the opening two fixtures of the Six Nations.

He explained, “The messages were there from the head coach after Saturday’s game that changes were possible.

“Wales have played two and won two, all our players have performed very well and I don’t think there is a problem with anyone at all.

“Head coaches make decisions based on a number of criteria, not just a single thing so I’m sure there's a logic behind what Warren has decided.

“I haven’t spoken to Warren about his choices, selection can be quite a personal thing, but no doubt he is keen to broaden his squad and make full use of all the players and their experience.”

Much was made about the decision to include so many of the Ospreys team for the games against England and Scotland, but Jones insists he was not at all surprised by their success.

“They are all top-quality players and deserve everything they’ve got,” said Jones.

“And I’m sure there’s more to come as these guys get older. They are still very young in terms of international rugby.

“When you look at the team now, you wonder just how good they are going to be two or three years down the line with a bit more experience.”

With such a sizeable chunk of his first-choice XV missing, Jones admits he will have to wait to hear from the Welsh management before he can decide who to pick for this weekend’s round of Magners League matches.

Jones said, “Having 14 players out is a bit of a shock and something I don’t think any team can really budget for.

“This time of year you are really hanging on to see who is going to be available for selection. Warren Gatland could phone me and suggest that certain players get some rugby so I don’t want to be picking my team prematurely if I’m going to get that sort of request.

“But that’s up to Warren and I would be very surprised with the way things are going with Wales if we would get anybody released back to play with us. I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough now that we know where he is going with his team.

“We always prepare for international rugby and we know there are various windows in the season that we are going to be without a number of international players.

“So we pick a squad with a mix of experience and youth to compliment that period, not just for our success now, but for the future as well.”

Welsh rugby has enjoyed a resurgence thanks to the heroics of the national side and Jones is hopeful the feelgood factor will rub off onto the regional sides.

He said, “Our support this year has grown, we are carrying a big brand with us at the moment and there’s a lot of responsibility for everyone involved here to keep the flag waving and put in a sound performance.

“It’s an expensive time for supporters when following the national team, so to be able to come and watch a regional rugby match for a lot less is a huge plus.

“We would expect a large crowd here on Saturday as rugby is getting to fever pitch once again here in Wales and it’s the big sport to watch.

“It’s an exciting step and we are looking forward to these young boys coming in and seeing what they can do. That’s what regional rugby is all about, keeping an eye on today, but also tomorrow.”