Ospreys 130 - 10 Grenoble

[Sourdust]

That's the aggregate score over home and away fixtures in the Challenge Cup. 20 tries to 1.

I was at Liberty Stadium today and Os played some really great stuff, but... seriously... what the chuff is the point of this? Grenoble clearly couldn't give a shit last week. This week, they showed some fight for twenty minutes, but then one of them got yellow carded and so the rest went for a fag break, or so it seemed. They conceded FOUR tries in the sin-bin period; that's hardly enough time in between for re-starts. Both matches quickly became virtual training sessions, entertaining enough to watch (if you're an Os fan) but obviously not actual games of actual rugby. I wouldn't be surprised if Os are so undercooked that they get turned over by Scarlets next week, when it matters.

I know it's Os own fault that they're in this cup, instead of the proper one. But Zebre are making as much of a mockery of that competition as Os (and Gloucester TBF) are making of this one. Change, please.

[ALunpg]

Yes ...it does show the gulf at the league stage. But it will get harder very quickly in the qaurters.
Hopefully they will see it as a opportjnity to get everyone match ready.for the Scarlets. I thouht for once Leonard was back at the better end of his game..he is only 31 the Ospreys will be in good shape for 9s.
It was a good run out for the backs to give Fonotia some game time..he again looks what they need come the international 6N window as Beck may make the extended squad and njce to see Dirkson back after his layoff.

[Sourdust]

One thing to note: I haven't seen any official stats but when I noticed something odd I tried to keep count. I think Os conceded only four penalties in the match. Three at scrums, and one for offside in the very last minute. Unless I'm mistaken, they didn't concede a single penalty on the deck in 80 minutes. The penalty count against Grenoble was higher, but not ruinous either. Were Os exceptionally well disciplined? Or did the ref (Luke Pearce, Eng.) play a particularly loose game?

[ALunpg]

They are obviously commited to surviving in the top 14 ..they beat Tolouse at home.

They just dont have the dosh to keep strength in depth.

[Sourdust]

I wouldn't be surprised if Os are so undercooked that they get turned over by Scarlets next week, when it matters.

Happy to be wrong there, at least.