Reproduce that second half display says Booth
WHATEVER Toby Booth said to his Ospreys players at half-time last weekend did the trick as they hit back from 12-3 down to beat Glasgow.
Now he wants to see more of the same from that second half performance in Italy on Monday night.
For the first time in a long time the Ospreys will travel to a game as clear favourites having beaten both Edinburgh and Glasgow in their opening three matches.
With both teams weakened by international calls, it will be the Ospreys who head into the game in the best shape – Zebre were on the end of a 63-8 drubbing at Leinster last weekend.
Booth was finally able to see some of the things he and his coaching team have been working on coming through on the pitch at the Liberty Stadium and the next challenge for his young side is to win backto-back games
Booth said: “Last week was less about the rugby – which was more positive and more like the team we want to be – and more about the character of a team that were behind at half time, and had been under extreme pressure for 25 minutes, finding a way to win.
“That was the best thing for me. We also saw the emergence of some of the things we had been working on and want to do more of.
“The younger players are delivering more consistent performances and are certainly justifying their selections. They aren’t used to being favourites going into a game and the new challenge will be to win two games in a row.
“We just want to win and we aren’t fussy where four points come from. We’ve had a truncated week because we’ve gone from a Saturday night game to a Monday night and we have to make sure our mindset is right.
“I want them to produce a performance that looks and feels like the second half against Glasgow. We know Zebre will be better for having a game last week and teams are always more difficult to beat at home.”
Following the dropping of George North by Wales head coach Wayne Pivac for yesterday’s game against Scotland, Booth had hopes that he might be made available for the region.
Despite Booth offering to help North get back to top form, the winger has not been released from the Welsh camp.
“I spoke to Wayne about George and there was a bit of tooing and froing,” Booth said. “If we can help him return to the form they need him to be in then we would welcome him back.
“We will be ready to help, assist and support the WRU in that. I’ve spoken to George, but we have to realise Wales are only two games into their campaign.”
Teams will be announced today.
Meanwhile, Duncan Jones has been promoted to Ospreys first team coach.
The ex-Wales prop and former Ospreys player, 42, was appointed scrum coach for the 2018-19 season.
Jones is now promoted, joining attack coach Brock James and defence coach Richie Pugh within Toby Booth’s backroom staff.
“Becoming first team coach is an exciting challenge and I would like to thank Toby for this opportunity,” said Jones.
“Working with him, Brock and Richie is proving to be really satisfying and we all challenge each other to drive improvement in performance but also to help players improve.”