Hook hails Ospreys’ potential

Apr 14 2008 South Wales Echo

JAMES Hook says the Ospreys have proved they have the potential to be one of the top teams in Europe with their cup final win over English big guns Leicester.

Outside-half Hook set up two tries and kicked 13 points in a convincing 23-6 defeat of the two-times Heineken Cup champions in Saturday’s EDF Energy showpiece.

“I think there is huge potential in this Ospreys side. We proved it out there by getting the result,” he said.

“We all know what we are capable of. It’s all about keeping on working hard and trying to prove ourselves.”

Hook & Co delivered a huge improvement on the previous week’s dismal Heineken Cup quarter-final loss to Saracens at Vicarage Road.

“Things let us down last week, like dropped balls and decision-making,” said the Wales No 10.

“We came in with the same sort of game plan, but this time cut the errors out.”

For Hook and a host of his team-mates, it was another Twickenham triumph to add to Wales’ Six Nations victory over England in February.

“It gives you confidence to realise you can get the victories here,” he said. “A lot of the boys played in that England game.

“Quite a few of us came here last year and lost to Leicester in the EDF final. Everyone came back here with a determination to win this time.”

The Man of the Match award went to Kiwi flanker Marty Holah, who ruled the roost at the breakdown, but he was quick to stress the collective effort.

“We knew Leicester would take us on up front so credit to the front five,” he said.

“It was a massive team effort to win this.

“We let ourselves down last week and it was tough to pick ourselves up after that loss to Saracens, but we re-focused in midweek. It would have been pretty disappointing to come away with no silverware, so it’s great to get the win.”

Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones added: “We had a sombre start to training, but we were able to turn it around and upped the ante as the week went on. This was another step in our development.”