The Ospreys are taking a step into unknown territory after qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Singha 7s Series at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday, but skipper Steff Andrews is dreaming big.
The region qualified from the opening round of the Singha 7s at the expense of last year’s winners, Newport Gwent Dragons, and will now take on Newcastle Falcons in the last eight.
Falcons are the only previous winners still left in the tournament, but according to Andrews the Ospreys have ambitions to go all the way.
He said: “We’ve knocked out the champions (Newport Gwent Dragons); it shows exactly what the boys can do.
“If we can have one good game that can set you up massively. Three wins can get you the title, so we’re eyeing up Newcastle for our first game and hopefully that can propel us for the rest of the tournament.
“We expected to push into the final, but now we’re into new territory and we have to take each game as it comes, not looking too far into the future.
“The boys are all looking very sharp. There’s definitely a lot more to come from us, we’ve been looking very sharp in training this week, and 7s is a game where anything can happen on the night."
As one of the two Welsh sides to have made it to the Finals in Coventry, Ospreys are not as familiar with their Premiership Rugby opposition.
But Andrews believes that will work both ways as they try to spring a surprise on Newcastle in the quarter-finals.
“We don’t know much about Newcastle, but it’s exactly the same for them," he added.
“We’ve lost a few experienced players from Friday, but it’ll give the boys all fighting for spots a fantastic chance to put themselves out there, show the management and everyone else what they can do ahead of the new season.
“We’ve taken each game as it comes. The boys were unlucky not to make the finals last year, we only missed out by a couple of tries so I guess there will be a point to prove.
“It’s the same for Newcastle, we know their record over the past couple of years so they’ll be coming out there and doing everything to right that wrong.”
Meanwhile, Tom O’Flaherty believes the fact that his side are an unknown quantity can help them spring a surprise at the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series Final on Sunday.
“Being there for the first time will be more of an advantage than a hindrance,” said O’Flaherty.
“The English clubs have not really seen us before and might not know what we’re about. And in a finals day anything can happen, it’s a chance for everyone to have a go and show what they can do.
“It’s a great chance to be able to wear the Ospreys jersey, a lot of guys are wanting to push on and play at the highest level they can.
“It’s undoubtedly going to be tough, but it’s a great opportunity for both sides.”
In all likelihood there will be a new name etched on the Singha 7s trophy with Falcons just one of the eight finalists to have won the competition before.
The Ospreys have some experienced heads among their ranks as Steff Andrews captains the side in his third year of Singha 7s action, with Wales 7s internationals Morgan Williams and Chris Knight also featuring.
But O’Flaherty insists the hunger within the camp could be what separates them from the rest.
“We’re all looking forward to it, we’ve got a young squad and we feel comfortable and now we’re just raring to go,” he added.
“It’s a great platform for everyone to show what they’ve got, showing they can go onto the bigger stage and that will be key for us.”
Eight teams will play for the first silverware of the season in the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series Finals from 2pm at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on Sunday 7 August. For tickets visit wasps.co.uk/tickets
