Ospreys ace targets silver lining after Euro flop

Apr 11 2008 by Andy Howell, Western Mail

ALUN WYN JONES has targeted a silver lining for the Ospreys this weekend after admitting the region pressed the self-destruct button in Europe.

The Ospreys crashed out of the Heineken Cup at Saracens last weekend but the Wales Grand Slam hero remains bullish over the region’s future.

“Last Sunday was an unfortunate blip in the Ospreys’ development,” said Jones.

“With the Heineken Cup, it’s not a case of if, but when we are going to win it.”

Jones was blunt when asked about the reasons for the shock 19-10 defeat at Watford, which occurred just a fortnight after thrashing Saracens 30-3 to book the EDF Energy Cup final clash with Leicester Tigers at Twickenham tomorrow.

“They were heavy in the contact area, their set-piece went well, they slowed the ball down and stopped us playing,” said the 22-year-old.

“Fair play, they were better than us. It was quite sombre coming back on the bus because we realised it was a huge opportunity that we lost.

“But we can’t let it affect us as professional sportsmen. If we won every game it would be boring!

“Seriously, we were devastated to lose that game. If we had won, we would have been two games away from winning the European Cup.”

The Ospreys get their chance for a form of redemption tomorrow when they take on holders Leicester in a repeat of last year’s Anglo-Welsh final.

Jones reckons playing the English giants is perfect therapy for helping the ambitious Welsh region banish memories of their Heineken quarter-final flop.

“We definitely need this game to take a step forward. We have got an eye on the prize and want to put things right,” said the lock forward.

“We have got to be on our game, unlike last Sunday. But there is not much to change.

“We made a lot of unforced errors which don’t normally happen and the players don’t do for 99% of the season.

“Unfortunately, they seemed to rain down on us last weekend.”

The Ospreys were beaten 41-35 in last season’s EDF final with Leicester after making a catalogue of mistakes before the interval.

“I think last year we showed players a bit too much respect and went into our shells first half,” said Jones.

“This time we are going out to play.

“It’s good to move into another competition. They are playing well and have got a good and strong side.

“Leicester have got a good set-piece and big ball-carriers like Martin Corry and Jordan Crane in their back-row.”

Jones also identified Tigers outside-half Andy Goode as a danger, for his playmaking skills and ability to pierce opposition defences with clever inside passes.

“Goode brings in inside runners.

“They are a quality side and have got that winning attitude,” the 21-times capped Jones went on.

“We have just got to be more accurate and be on our guard.”

He also identified England and British Lions lock Ben Kay as a potential threat to the Ospreys’ last chance of silverware this season – their defence of the Magners League crown has already evaporated with Irish province Leinster looking dead-certainties to succeed them as Celtic kings.

“Kay is a talisman for Leicester and the likes of Corry are a big threat in attack and defence,” he added.