Saints alive to avoid repeat of home hammering – Lydiate
THE subject of European history has clearly been part of the Ospreys’ homework requirements at their training base at Llandarcy this week.
Little wonder that Dan Lydiate and Co are preparing for a ‘backlash’ from the Saints in Swansea tomorrow. The East Midlands club, European champions in 2000, have been a pale shadow of their former selves in recent times with their capitulation against the Ospreys at Franklin’s Gardens last Saturday evening leading to the dismissal of long-serving director of rugby Jim Mallinder.
But you won’t find anyone at the Welsh region rubbing their hands at the prospect of another comfortable five-point haul this weekend.
Listening to Wales and Lions flanker Lydiate at this week’s media call suggests that.
“I dare say there’s going to be a big backlash off them,” admitted the tough-tackling back-rower.
“Two weeks ago we had a thumping at home against Glasgow and no player wants that to happen to them at home especially in front of your home fans.
“Luckily for them (Northampton) they get another chance to play against us this week.
“You don’t get a chance to play sides back-to-back very often and I’m sure they’ll want to get a win down here against us.
“They have done in the past against quality European sides likes Ulster and Leinster. They’ve lost to them at home and then gone away the following week and beaten them. I’m sure that’s what they’ll be gearing towards this week.”
The Ospreys, though, will be fully aware that opportunity has suddenly come knocking for a side written off after the opening two rounds.
The stunning 43-32 round three victory coupled with a shock defeat for Saracens at home to Clermont LIBERTY STADIUM 3.15pm, SUN OSPREYS v NORTHAMPTON has suddenly brought the holders within sight.
If the Ospreys were to do the double over a Saints side missing England duo Courtney Lawes and Dylan Hartley and Sarries lose again in France, suddenly it’s the Ospreys in second spot in the pool with a mouthwatering tie against the Londoners to come in Swansea in the new year.
““We’ve just got to make sure we go out and get a result on the weekend,” was the response of Lydiate when the permutations were put to him. “It’s going to be a much tougher battle than last week.”
The Ospreys welcome back Wales and Lions flanker Justin Tipuric, who will make his first start in two months.
Tipuric hasn’t played since the opening round of the tournament in October because of thigh injuries, but takes his place in an Ospreys squad that is also bolstered by the return of Wales half-backs Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar, who are named on the bench. OSPREYS: D. Evans; B. John, K. Fonotia, O. Watkin, J. Hassler; S. Davies, T. Habberfield; N. Smith, S. Baldwin, D. Arhip, B. Davies, AW. Jones (capt), D. Lydiate, O. Cracknell, J. Tipuric. Reps: S. Otten, P. James, M. Fia, A. Beard, R. McCusker, R. Webb, D. Biggar, A. Beck. NORTHAMPTON: H. Mallinder; A. Tuala, R. Horne, T. Stephenson, B. Foden (capt); P. Francis, N. Groom; F. van Wyk, M. Haywood, J. Ford-Robinson, D. Ribbans, M. Paterson, J. Gibson, T. Harrison, T. Wood. Reps: R. Marshall, C. Ma’afu, P. Hill, A. Ratuniyarawa, L. Ludlam, C. Reinach, L. Burrell, K. Pisi. Referee: Marius Mitrea (Ita).