Ospreys v Benetton URC Friday Jan 24th at 19.35

Lewis Lloyd apparently had ankle surgery today so he is likely out of the game next week.

I don't want to be a killjoy with all the great things that happened in this game, but our decisions in and around the 40 minute mark were ridiculous first of all the lineout and a bit later in the sequence, when we didn't kick the ball out of play could possibly have cost us dearly for at least the next 2 games with Lewis Lloyd getting injured. Pushing for the bonus point try with all of the 2nd half to come was something we didn't need to do at that point.

Well done Zebra

It’s taken a long time to find a 13 but I believe he’s the answer. On loan atm.

Kassende and Spencer have made a huge impact

When Owen Watkin returns there needs to be a decision made who plays 12, Boschoff needs to play 13 he makes the back line more balanced. We played a bloody well well last night backs and forwards.

The latest Squidge video might explain the more expansive feel to our game with law changes and referee guidance opening up time and space at scrum, lineout and kick-chase.

I don't think Toby was that hands-on or restrictive and Mark is still defence coach so can't be that involved with attack coaching. I also think that we have lost a lot of forward power through Wales calls and injury so have been forced to be less reliant on brute force.

I am just grateful to enjoy the results and avoid analysis paralysis, a very Welsh disease as seen by Squidge .... and this post!!!

The shape and structure both sides of the ball was superb. Was Fussell a poor attack coach or was Booth restricting what he could do?

Unfortunately I would be surprised if that is not an Achilles for Lewis Lloyd after that incredible chase back. Let’s pray for and ankle sprain but I fear Achilles and end of season.

Outstanding result and performance by us!

Benetton even lose the kicking battle as Hopkins wins a 50:22. Can we finish the night with a score?

So so easy for Morgan Morse, a solid scrum sees him pick up from the base and power over virtually untouched for the TRY, 36-0. The conversion misses and I think Benetton may have given up.

Almost another try as great D forces a loose pass and Hardy kicks through to force a 5m scrum.

Ospreys still looking to play despite the conditions. Tom Florence on for Kieran Williams.

Cam Jones on for Garyn and Iestyn Hopkins on for Owen Williams. Walsh to 10. Deaves on for Morgan Morris

Wowzers.....the BP try arrives just as it seemed we were going nowhere but Kieran feeds Ethan Lewis and he puts Boshoff through the hole. He finds Walsh who dives over the line for the TRY. Williams converts 31-0.

To be honest this was not the score or the rugby I was expecting to see tonight.

Good D from the Ospreys but Ratti gets pinged. They go to the corner.

First Benetton scrum penalty.

I think the weather has put paid to the sort of silky handling we saw in the first half but the intent is still there from the Ospreys.

Scrum penalty Ospreys.

Tips is penalised for playing peacemaker at the scrum handbags and Benetton go to touch, they get the maul moving but then knock on as Tips forces his way through the maul.

A pass puts Keelan away but the ref calls it as forward.

Wet and slippery ball is causing some problems for the wingers catching the high ball. Fortunately, we get away with our mistake.

Second half underway. Ethan Lewis on for Lewis Lloyd.

Tips majesctically wins a penalty and we go to the corner. A loose pass sends us back 20m and we end up turning the ball over. The big Benetton flanker strides clear and looks to be in but a great recovery tackle from Lewis Lloyd stops him on our 22 and we rescue the situation. Half time 24-0.

Ye Gods, if this is what doing without our first choice loosehead, hooker, lock, flanker and captain does then perhaps we spent too much emphasis on forward power in the past?

I do feel for Bennetton, nothing is going right for them not even the weather.

RMW gets a lovely read and catches Benetton behind the gain line. He is somewhat fortunate to get away with tackling on the floor but he forces a forward pass and an Ospreys scrum.

Kieran Williams takes the ball at the back of the lineout and we retain possession. Will Spencer is having a strong opening quarter and gets us to within a yard. We show some patience and Kieran Williams is over for the third try, 22-0 and Williams converts again 24-0 after almost 30 minutes.

Scrum penalty to the Ospreys. The scrum is looking solid. Only slight worry is that Ratti has had his ankle wrapped/taped around his boot. We go to the corner.

Lovely stuff from Giles then but his pass goes astray. Harlem Globetrotters stuff as we retain possession - tip on passes galore and Tips feeds Kasende who goes over for the TRY. 15-0 and converted by Williams 17-0

There is a lot more attacking intent and invention in this Ospreys side tonight.

Ospreys go from inside their own 22 with a crossfield kick to Kasende who passes to Walsh and he kicks for the 50:22. From the lineout we go close several times but settle for 3 points, 10-0 after 15 minutes.

Bosh!! Boshoff makes a break, RMW in support and Walsh is in for the TRY. Converted by Williams 7-0.

The try has come after a sustained period of pressure from Benetton and a TMO disallowed try.

I don't think I am going to make the game tonight as I have had a little bit of a flare up.

If you do go, please make some noise for me.

Rhys Davies

will Griff

Naggy

Rhys Henry returned for 1 game or 2 for Will and all out. We’ve only played 2 games since NYD. That’s a worry.

Team

Listened to presser. Not totally clear. Seems the team v Pau wasn’t about resting players the injury list is huge.

Tips or Deaves maybe but no no one else back. Can that be correct.

Regarding this game we will obviously lose our 5 call ups to TW, on Thursday the 11 players that play their club Rugby outside of Wales will be going back to their clubs, also the Tuesday of game week any player not in the matchday squad of 25 also will return to their clubs. In the Wales squad there are 5 2nd rows 4 of which play outside of Wales, I truly hope that our Coaches and Mark Jones in particular will stand strong in refusing to release any of our players prior to the Bennetton game, I wouldn't mind if some were used after that game, it would give them a good grounding of International setups.

I would add Tristan and Deaves if he is fit. Henry has torn calf so won’t make it.. Nagy is another who may be involved.