Embarrassingly 'nilled' by rivals Scarlets, Ospreys are in dire need of a head coach with vision and gravitas
The facts are stark. According to rugby statistician Russ Petty, the Ospreys’ 44-0 loss to the Scarlets was only the fourth time in their history they had been ‘nilled’.
It was the third-largest defeat since their inception 16 ago and led their talisman Justin Tipuric – someone not prone to melodrama – to exclaim that it was by far his worst night in an Ospreys shirt.
As captain, and someone who has to make a decision on his future imminently, he questioned the character of the squad in a heartfelt plea.
Yes, the shellacking dished out by their rivals across the Loughor was nightmarish but if you look at their next five fixtures, there is no easy respite for a side lacking in confidence. It could get worse.
For starters, they face a Dragons side growing in belief and resilience at Rodney Parade under Dean Ryan, before the main course of a duo of European heavyweights in Saracens and Munster.
(Continue reading below…)
RugbyPass went behind the scenes with the Barbarians before their recent clash with Wales
After that, an Irish dessert of Ulster and Leinster could leave them with indigestion. Quite simply, it’s hard to know where the wins are going to come from. By mid-February their record could read: played 19, lost 18 and won one. The solitary 24-20 victory over Benetton came on October 12.
Sitting firmly at the foot of Conference A in the Guinness PRO14, those putting their heads above the parapet were downbeat in their assessment.
Carl Hogg, their forwards coach, said they had been beaten ‘in every facet, starting with energy and enthusiasm’ before trotting out well-worn adages about hard work and having to look within to find answers. For forlorn fans, empty clichés need to be replaced by firm action.
Ospreys have turned the clock back 20 years as former Swansea coach Mike Ruddock is back on the beat in the west Wales city https://t.co/SJVkX8odhZ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 3, 2019
So how has it come to this? How have Wales’ most successful region, the winners of four domestic leagues, and a professional outfit that produced 15 British and Irish Lions in 16 years, reached such a nadir?
The reasons, as ever, are complex and wide-ranging. The Ospreys have produced Welsh icons Adam Jones, Shane Williams and Ryan Jones, but the days of complimenting them with foreign superstars of the ilk of Justin Marshall, Tommy Bowe and Jerry Collins seem like memories from a bygone era when Mike Cuddy, their former benefactor, bankrolled luxury purchases before falling upon ill-health and diminishing returns.
Yet it should also be added that the Ospreys are not paupers. They still have £5.3million to spend on their squad from the WRU, second only to the Scarlets in Wales, and have £1.9m larger kitty than the Dragons. Of course, there are sides with more money sloshing about, but it would be disingenuous to plead poverty as the sole reason for their quandary.
‘Honesty, fight, work ethic, togetherness, a good place to work… those values and characteristics are coming to the fore again’
– Allen Clarke tells @heagneyl about his determination to turn @ospreys back into a success story https://t.co/3P0IUvGxl7— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 15, 2019
Injuries have undoubtedly hurt them. The marquee signing of Gareth Anscombe has been a nightmare, with the gifted playmaker ruled out for the season through a knee injury incurred in the pre-World Cup warm-up against England.
They have also been deprived of world stars George North and Alun-Wyn Jones through injury since the World Cup. Their return, especially the talismanic Jones, are much needed, but is that an excuse? They must cast their eyes enviously over at the Scarlets, who at one point were missing 20 internationals during the World Cup. Their charismatic All Blacks-bound coach Brad Mooar has guided them to ten wins in 13 by playing an enterprising brand of rugby.
To rub salt in the wound, Liam Williams – a Swansea boy – chose to return to the Scarlets rather than select a region that overlooked him as a callow youth. Then there is the coaching situation. When Steve Tandy was dismissed in January 2018 after a period where the region only won two out their first nine games, a worldwide hunt for a head coach was trumpeted. It ended at the tip of their nose when existing forwards coach Allen Clarke was installed after taking over as an interim.
Struggling Welsh region Ospreys have boldly predicted a radical shake-up happening soon to the PRO14 and Premiership leagueshttps://t.co/TsTdAFW8s7
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 30, 2019
Questions over whether Clarke was at fully at ease being thrust into the head coach’s role never really abated and when Clarke was dismissed in farcical circumstances last month, James Hook and Richie Pugh were left to face the press at an organised event.
The scrutiny led managing director Andrew Millward to accuse the media of ‘hijacking’ the press conference to incredulous looks from those present. While criticism has been forthright – and some would say merited – there has been no pointed agenda against the region, only sympathy. Indeed, Welsh rugby knows four functioning regions is a pre-requisite for continued progress.
For now, leading playing operations are Matt Sherratt, the backs coach, who has already announced he is off to Worcester Warriors at the end of the season, and Hogg, the former Scotland back row and Worcester defence coach.
Breathe Ospreys fans…
Posted by RugbyPass on Tuesday, 9 July 2019
Earlier this month Mike Ruddock, the former Wales Grand Slam-winning coach, was drafted in as a consultant, but there has been no word as yet whether that arrangement will extend beyond January 2. This uncertainty is far from ideal and has led to a feeling that the Ospreys are rudderless and lacking direction.
The seeds of the Ospreys’ current predicament date back further. In March, there was the tawdry on-off merger with the Scarlets (and even Cardiff Blues) during the Six Nations, as Project Reset reached its painful conclusion.
It led WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips to issue a public apology to players who had feared for their livelihoods. There was also precious little transparency for the supporters about what exactly had led to such an agreement and claims that the Scarlets had instigated a takeover were scoffed at across the Loughor.
Maybe the most emotive club statement we've ever read #ospreys #scarlets
Posted by RugbyPass on Tuesday, 5 March 2019
What is unequivocal is that in sport off-field disquiet rarely helps a side perform on the field and the Ospreys are a case-in-point. Players-wise, a full-strength Ospreys squad is still formidable. There are seven players with over 50 Welsh caps – Jones, North, Tipuric, Dan Lydiate, Hook, Scott Williams and Bradley Davies but beneath that, there is a notable drop in quality.
While regional ‘best buys’ Filo Tiatia, Marty Holah, Stefan Terblanche and Kahn Fotuali’i provided stability when the Welsh internationals were away on Test leave in times past, overseas recruitment has been found wanting in recent years with the likes of JJ Engelbrecht, Brian Mujati and Tito Tebaldi making little lasting impression at the Welsh region.
As for slithers of seasonal cheer, the Ospreys must be waiting to see how the WRU distributes the £35m of investment from hedge fund CVC, hopeful that pooled resources and a rumoured British and Irish League save them from their malaise.
"My boy was playing under-11s rugby and we could barely get nine or ten players to come out and play whereas with football they were scratching two sides together." @ShaneWilliams11 talks regional rugby decline with @heagneyl ???https://t.co/opEhls2mH2
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 1, 2019
On the field, thankfully, the production line at the Ospreys is still turning. Promoted from the academy, Dewi Lake, Harri Morgan, Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler and Cai Evans have joined the likes of Owen Watkin and Adam Beard in spearheading the next generation.
But the future is mired in doubt. Only 6,684 hardy fans turned up for last weekend’s derby against the Cardiff Blues in a cavernous Liberty Stadium. Some fans have talked about a reboot or the jolt that comes with relegation, but with no drop from the PRO14, the Ospreys are vulnerable and can drift listlessly unless firm action is taken by their underfire power-brokers, Millward and Rob Davies.
Priority number one is a head coach who has the vision and gravitas to drive the region forward. Any suitors should make themselves known. It cannot come a moment too soon.
WATCH: RugbyPass travelled to Brecon to see how life after rugby is treating Andy Powell, one of Wales’ biggest characters on and off the pitch
Comments on RugbyPass
True Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
21 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
10 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
78 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
21 Go to commentsHas virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
10 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
2 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes are good, especially with a decent coach now. However, let’s be real, the Crusaders and Chiefs are clearly a good degree weaker without the players they’ve lost overseas now. The Canes lost one player. It’s also why the aussie teams ‘seem’ to be stronger.
9 Go to commentsOr you could develop your own players instead of constantly taking from the SH competition and weakening it in the process? With all the player and financial resources these unions have compared to SH countries you’d think they could manage that, or is weakening the SH comps and their national sides an added bonus? Probably.
3 Go to commentsNot so fast Aaron, we might need you in black yet lol. God knows he’d be a lot less nerve-racking than hot and (very) cold players like Perofeta. It’s really a shame Reuben Love isn’t playing 10, we’ve got enough 15 options.
4 Go to commentsAnd those from the NH still seem to be puzzled (and delighted) why NZ’s depth isn’t what it once was. Over 600 NZ players overseas, that’s insane. This sort of deal is why Super Rugby coaches have admitted they struggle now to find enough quality to fill out their squads.
6 Go to commentsArticle intéressant ! La question devrait régulièrement se poser pour les jeunes français originaires de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Wallis-et-Futuna et de Polynésie entre la Nouvelle-Zélande et la Métropole… Difficile pour la fédération française de rugby de se positionner : soit le choix est fait de dénicher les jeunes talents et de les faire venir très tôt en Métropole, au risque de les déraciner, soit on prend le risque de se les faire “piller” par les All Blacks qui, telle une araignée, essaye de récupérer tous les talents des îles du Pacifique… À la France de se défendre en développant l’aura du XV de France et des clubs français dans ses collectivités d’Outre-mer !
3 Go to commentsWrong bay. He needs to come to the REAL BAY which is Bay Of Plenty and have a crack at making the Chiefs.
3 Go to commentsIs Barrett going play full back??? They already have all the centers…
16 Go to commentsForgive my ignorance, I might not fully understand so would appreciate clarification: Didn’t the Bulls have to fly with three different carriers, paid for by the South African Rugby Union, whilst Edinburgh got a chartered flight sponsored by EPCR? Also, as far as I understand it South African teams don’t yet share in the revenue from the competition and are not allowed to host Semi-finals or Finals at home. Surely if everyone wants South Africans to “take the competition seriously” then they must make South Africans feel welcome, allow them to share in the revenue, and give them the same levels of access as the teams from the other countries. Just a reminder that South Africa has a large and passionate Rugby audience. Just by virtue of our teams being a part of these competitions means that more of us are likely to watch the knockout games, even if our teams haven’t qualified. It would be silly to alienate such a large audience by making them feel unwelcome.
21 Go to commentsFirst of all. This guy is very much behind the curve. All the bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning took place days ago already. Not adding anything to the topic other than more bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning. 🍼 Second of all, not one mention of the fact that South African teams can’t get home semi finals or finals. The tournament was undermined and devalued by the administrators. 🤡 Thirdly, football teams often have to juggle selections in mid week games, premier games, champions league games etc. and will from time to time prioritize certain titles over others. 🐒 And lastly FEK Neil, and anyone else for that matter, for insisting on telling teams how to manage themselves. If they make what is largely a business decision that suits them and doesn’t suit you - tough shite. 💩 It’s not rocket science as to why the Bulls did what they did. If this guy is too slow to figure it out (and is deliberately not mentioning one of the key reasons why) then he isn’t a journalist. He should join the rest of us pundit plebs in comments section. 🥴
21 Go to commentsSo the first door to knock on Rob is Parliament followed by HMRC. The Irish Revenue deliver a 40% tax relief rebate on the HIGHEST EARNING TEN YEARS of every pro Irish rugby players contract earnings at retirement. That goes a long way to both retaining their best talent and freeing up wages for marquee players. Who knows, if that had been in place in the UK, you might not have been able to poach Hoggy and Jonny Gray from Glasgow…!!!
3 Go to comments1. True, if that “free” ticket means access to all but the prized exhibit - EVIP only. SA cannot host semis, even if they’ve earned it (see Sharks vs ASM Clermont Auvergne at… Twickenham Stoop). 2. Why no selective outrage over Lyon doing the exact same thing a week earlier? Out of all the countries France send the most “B teams”, why nobody talking about “disrespect” and “prioritising domestic leagues” and “kicking them out”? 3. Why no mention of the Sharks fielding all of their Springboks for the second rate Challenge cup QF? No commitment? 4. Why no mention of all the SA teams qualifying for respective euro knock out comps in the two seasons they’ve been in it? How many euro teams have qualified for KO’s in their history? Can’t compete? 5. Why no mention of SA teams beating French and English giants La Rochelle and Saracens? How many euro teams have done that in their history? Add no quality? The fact is that SA teams are only in their second season in europe, with no status and a fraction of the resources. Since joining the URC, SA has seen a repatriation of a number of players, and this will only grow once SA start sharing in the profits of competing in these comps, meaning bigger squads with greater depth and quality, meaning they don’t have to prioritise comps as they have to now - they don’t have imports from Pacifica and South America and everywhere else in between like “European” teams have - also less “Saffas” in Prem and T14, that’s what we want right? 'If the South Africans are in, they need to be all in' True, and we have to ensure we give them the same status and resources as we give everyone else to do just that. A small compromise on scheduling will go a long way in avoiding these situations, but guess what, France and England wont compromise on scheduling because they ironically… prioritise their domestic comps, go figure!
21 Go to comments