Tipuric: We love being underdogs and we’ll fight hard
OSPREYS will be significant underdogs against the Premiership leaders but they have revelled in being this season’s surprise package.
They beat both the reigning French champions Montpellier, twice, and English champions Leicester, away, in the group stage. Their ‘reward’ for those exploits is facing three-time European champions Saracens.
“The group stage was probably some of the most enjoyable rugby we’ve played for a while,” said captain and flanker Justin Tipuric, who will be making his 199th appearance for the region.
“We hadn’t started the season well and everyone was writing us off, but that’s when we were at our most dangerous.
“It seems a tough draw to now be going up against one of the best teams in the world and few will give us a chance. That makes my life easier before games when people are writing us off. Being Welsh we love being underdogs and we’ll come out fighting.”
Ospreys are aiming to reach the Champions Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 13 years.
But with severe budget cuts and significant reductions in squad sizes, Tipuric knows the challenge for Welsh regions is only set to get harder. Alun Wyn Jones, Gareth Anscombe and Dan Lydiate are among those out of contract this summer.
“Of course the task is going to be a lot harder next season when you don’t have bigger or more competitive squads,” said Tipuric.
“It’s crazy when you look at the players we have available for this weekend and what it could look like next year.
“It’s going to be a lot tougher for sure, especially when you look at the teams we could come up against. That’s the biggest thing – those teams are really strong in terms of squads and salaries and we are weakening.”
Ospreys have their big guns on display today with George North back on the wing after appearing in midfield for Wales, with Owen Williams and Rhys Webb at half-back.
Gareth Anscombe is on the bench. Up front, Tomas Francis, Adam Beard and Alun Wyn Jones all start.
Wales centre Nick Tompkins is in midfeld for Saracens, in a backline that includes internationals Max Malins, Sean Maitland and Owen Farrell. Up front, Sarries include England’s Mako Vunipola, brother Billy, Jamie George, Maro Itoje and Ben Earl.