SPORT We can’t rely onAlunWyn to end slump, say Ospreys
READING 0 SWANSEA CITY 2
OSPREYS management have insisted it would be wrong to rely on the imminent return of inspirational skipper Alun Wyn Jones to snap the region out of their current poor form.
The lock legend will provide the region with a much-needed lift for their trip to Italy for a Guinness PRO14 clash with Treviso on Friday night.
All four Lions tourists — Jones, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb and Justin Tipuric — will be part of a 31-man squad that will travel to northern Italy before flying out to prepare for their historic first PRO14 game on South African soil, against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
After a frustrating start to the season, the return of the Ospreys’ star men will be warmly welcomed by Steve Tandy and his coaching team.
But attack coach Gruff Rees believes that “snapping out” of their recent malaise — the Ospreys have lost eight of their last 10 competitive matches — is going to take a collective effort rather than the influence of Jones and Co.
“It should lift players having a worldclass player and a world-class leader in your midst, but sometimes we can look too much at Al and one or two others around the group,” he said.
“As players and coaches we have to stand on our own two feet as well.
“If we just expect Al to come in and everything is going to be okay, that is a horrible thing to have to think and that is the worst thing Alun Wyn would want or need from this group of players.
“Yes, emotionally and rugby-wise he is going to give so many attributes that people will respond off, but I would also urge these players to stand up for themselves.
“The ones who have become great Ospreys are the ones who stand up and make a difference for themselves.”
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