Toby Booth

Toby Booth's welcome

We welcome the Dragons to the Swansea.com Stadium, this afternoon, for our third Welsh derby in a row in the United Rugby Championship.

 

With two games left of our campaign to go, we all know what is on the line with the Welsh Shield and a European Champions Cup place at stake.

 

We all want something tangible to show for the work put in by everybody at the Ospreys and to see our progress rewarded. We still have a lot to play for.

 

We are under no illusions of the challenge the Dragons will present us and our focus has been on preparing for the tough task ahead. They are a physical and abrasive outfit and will look to challenge and dominate at the breakdown.

 

The have a very good backrow, contest hard for the ball and they make every team work hard for everything they get. We expect nothing less from them today.

 

I know Dean Ryan well and he always produced uncompromising sides and their results in the URC have not always tallied with their performances.

 

They had a very good performance and outcome away to the Scarlets and we know we will have to be on our game to come out with the outcome we want.

 

We will be looking for the same aspects of the performance we saw against the Scarlets. We were relentless and the leadership on the field was impressive and meant we produced when it mattered.

 

The whole day at the Swansea.com was a very positive day for all of us associated with the Ospreys, we got the result with a positive performance and we delivered on a big stage and in front of you all.

 

The big crowd certainly played a part on the day and it was a very encouraging occasion for all of us. We all know how important derbies are to supporters and sport is very fickle but we enjoyed what we achieved last weekend.

 

Dewi Lake has had a big year and is showing what he can do with the Ospreys and with Wales. He is an example of the resource and support around we around our young players to help them become the best version of themselves.

 

He has performed exceptionally well and to see his development with the Ospreys adds to the competition for places that drives the competition within the squad and ultimately leads to a successful side.

 

Every player has to commit to improving and owning their performance in training and on the field.  Dewi has certainly put his best foot forward as we have all witnessed for the Ospreys and with Wales.

 

Seeing the likes of Dewi, Gareth Anscombe, George North and Dan Lydiate all return from long-term injury does give a glimpse of the squad we can be.

 

Their return has been like having new signings and it’s a frustration that we are seeing players return to boost the squad as the season comes to an end.

 

The team thank you for your continued support.

 

Toby

 

TO THE MATCHDAY PROGRAMME