Steve Tandy was understandably a pleased man after watching the Ospreys begin the season with a victory over Treviso.
Having lost at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo on the opening weekend last season, the Ospreys were determined not to suffer the same fate this time around, and fought hard to come out on top in a physical battle.
Speaking shortly after the final whistle, Tandy was full of praise for the efforts of his players, but gave a word of caution about the need to stay disciplined.
“I’m very, very happy with the team after that” said Tandy.
“The effort and application was excellent and to go away from home on the first weekend of the season and pick up the win is a great start. It gives us something to build on over the coming weeks.
“Our discipline at the end was first rate, but we’ve spoken in the dressing room about the need to be disciplined from the very first minute as we gave away some cheap points that made it extremely difficult for us.
“What was really pleasing was that we played smart. By that, I mean we made the right decisions at the right time, like when Dan took the drop goal to put us eight clear. Little moments like that can turn a game as it just makes the opposition change how they look at it. I think that was a big step forward for us.
“We knew how difficult it was going to be after what happened last season. They started with 14 internationals and I think they had another six on the bench. It was always going to be difficult for us but we came through the test.
“Some of the guys were out on their feet at the end, and some young players have done really well. The tackling late on was excellent, it was controlled, disciplined and they all showed what playing for the Ospreys means to them. We’ve practiced around the lineout area all week as we knew that was one of their strengths and it would be where they target.
“The TMO had sent us back from their half right back to our own line but we handled that disappointment very well which us allowed us to secure the four points.
“I thought Tito was excellent, it was his first competitive start for us and he slotted in really well, and Ben John took his try well, but it was a team effort that got us the win and we’re all very pleased.
“It’s a good way to start the season, we’re on the board. We’ve got to work hard this week now to prepare for another tough one next Saturday, Leinster away. We won’t be getting carried away with ourselves on the back of this one.”
Meanwhile Tom Smith, who led the team in the closing stages after Ryan Jones had gone off, said:
“We came here to get the result tonight. Treviso away, we knew it was going to be tough. I think at times, in patches, our discipline killed us, myself included, but what was pleasing was the resolve the boys showed at the end.
“We showed glimpses of what we can do in attack, but probably the biggest thing we can take away is the effort we put in in the dying minutes, to keep them away from the line. We knew they were going to be a big test, they’d be heavy up front, so we’re pleased to come here and get a win, putting in a physical performance like we did.”