Ospreys bosses have called on fans to roar the team into the Magners League play-offs at the final two home games of the regular season.
As the campaign reaches it’s closing stages the Ospreys currently sit in 4th place, five points ahead of Cardiff Blues in 5th place who visit the Liberty Stadium this weekend (Sat 2nd April, KO 6.30pm) in a huge Welsh derby, before league leaders Munster arrive in Ospreylia three weeks later (Sat 23rd April, KO 6.30pm), with the two games likely to have a huge bearing on the make-up the end of season play-offs.
Bumper crowds are anticipated for both games as qualification goes right down to the wire, and according to Managing Director, Roger Blyth, the fans can have a huge part to play as the team goes into battle.
“It’s an exciting time of the season with the race for the play-offs hotting up, and these are going to be two huge games in the context of how our season pans out” he said.
“We’re anticipating two good crowds and the fans can really play a part in what we are looking to achieve during April, they can make a big difference on match-day.
“We’ve enjoyed some good crowds this season, the three Heineken Cup fixtures and the Scarlets Christmas derby match are ones that come to mind, with the fans really helping to generate a wonderful atmosphere that helped to inspire the team to win those four games. This is the final push now, and we need to be united on and off the pitch towards the cause, which is to secure a semi-final spot. To do that, we need to win these games, which won’t be easy, so it’s important that the fans turn up in numbers and do their stuff once again.”
Despite the weekend defeat at Edinburgh, there is plenty about the current Magners League table that makes pleasant reading for Ospreys fans, with the region topping the try scoring charts with 51 (12 more than nearest rivals Munster), having scored more points than anyone else in the league (472, 57 ahead of Munster), while the Ospreys have also secured the most bonus points this season (11), with their six try bonus points also a competition best.
However, Blyth is quick to urge caution as the team looks to secure their place in the top four:
“Nothing is won yet so nobody can take anything for granted. There are four games remaining, and probably six teams with a realistic chance of finishing in the top four, so there is everything to play for.
“With a massive derby against the Blues, and the leaders Munster still to visit, anything can happen. For the players to run out to a sea of black, and to hear the magnificent Ospreys supporters rallying behind the team at this vital stage of the season would give them a huge boost.”
Tickets for both games are now on sale at the Liberty Stadium Ticket office, online at www.ospreysrugby.comand via the Ticket Hotline on 08700 400 004.
Fans can also get their hands on a complimentary ticket for the Blues game, thanks to our partners at Freee, who have a special promotion on ahead of the match. Simply buy a Freee t-shirt at the Ospreys Superstore for £24.99, including online purchases, and you automatically receive a complimentary Category C ticket for the Welsh derby match completely Freee!