We’ve had a great start to the season at the Ospreys and I think the hard work with the conditioning coaches in pre-season training has really paid off. We’ve really come through the first games quite comfortably actually but we know we’ve now got some tough challenges ahead.
It’s a whole month off from the Magners League now as we play a succession of matches in both the Heineken and the EDF Energy Cups. I can’t wait; it’s going to be a great challenge. The match against Leicester in two weeks is the one I’m properly looking forward to and given that the Heineken Cup is the top priority for us it’ll be important to get a win.
Up for the Cup
The atmosphere surrounding these cup fixtures is intense. When you know that the television cameras are turning up it just shows how big the games are. The crowds also seem to turn up in their thousands and it’s great to have that boost of large-scale support. I think this month for us will be ‘judgement month’. If our season is going to end in trophies and success then it really starts now. I realistically think that the team can win everything, we’ve got the quality, we’re determined to succeed and its just about putting together the run of results on the field.
As you might expect given our start in the League, the spirit of the team is awesome. We’ve got some real jokers like Ian Evans who’s a bit of a character, and our hooker Ed Shervington. Between the two of them they keep the whole squad in good spirits. I’d better not say what they get up to…
I’m surrounded by so many great players at the Ospreys; Marty Holah stands out so far this season from the pack and Shane Williams on the wing is a class act. Obviously James Hook takes the plaudits as well given his important role in the side. Let me tell you… I’m fortunate to be playing with them because I’d hate to be facing them week in week out.
ELVs
We’ve looked at the stats so far for the season and it looks as though we scored more points at the same time last year which suggests that the ELVs aren’t doing what they are supposed to just yet. In truth the changes haven’t affected us too much though; we just stick to our game plan and keep the ball moving with our swift passing. I think in time everybody will get used to these rules, if they choose to keep them, but it’s up to the boys upstairs to decide that. I reckon they’ll be ok for the game.
National Pride
I’ve just seen Jonny Wilkinson is out injured again. I can definitely relate to suffering a knee injury, I had a knee ligament operation about five years ago and was out for a year and then had a routine cartilage operation recently. It’s not great having to sit on the sidelines for a long period of time, even though I watched the matches all you think about is getting back on the pitch and performing. Lucky for me I’ve come back as a stronger and fitter player and now I’m desperate to win a few more caps for Wales this autumn.
With the international matches coming up there isn’t a single team you can take lightly; even Canada are going to put up a real fight. Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are awesome sides, they’ve barely got any weaknesses so we’ll have to dig deep to get victories. Hopefully the crowd at the Millennium Stadium can be an extra man for us; it’s a dream come true to be able to play in front of 75,000 countrymen. I remember watching the old 5 nation tournament on the television when I was a boy and used to picture myself running out for Wales and singing the anthem. To actually get to do it sends a real tingle down the spine…
Until next time…