Ospreys striving to reclaim No.1 spot
OSPREYS are preparing for a season-defining Christmas period as they look to reassert themselves as the strongest Welsh region.
The Liberty Stadium outfit were once the undisputed powerhouses of the Welsh game, but arch rivals Scarlets have stolen a march the past few seasons.
The two teams meet in Swansea on December 22 and defence coach Brad Davis said: “We have to win all our derbies over a couple of seasons before we can claim the title of the best Welsh region.
“The Scarlets have been the best performing side over the last couple of seasons. We were the best region before that and we want to be again.
“The derbies over the festive period are terrific games to be a part of and hopefully with the Scarlets coming to our house the place will be packed out.
“We’ve got the Dragons as well and when a coach leaves you’ll have a spike in performance. These next few games are going to be pivotal to where we are at the end of the season.
“We aren’t just focusing on the derbies, we are focusing on what goes on after them as well. We need to get our game right and kick on from there.”
Ospreys are fourth in Conference A of the PRO14, two points adrift of Connacht who occupy the final play-off spot.
Davis added: “I think we are in a strong position to push on and make the play-offs. We are in fourth place just two points off third so we are fairly confident.
“The top two sides are going to be very difficult to track down given the strength of their squads in comparison to ours.
“These next five games will be really important in shaping our future.”
STEFFAN THOMAS