Slam heroes on display in Cardiff
Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:33
A number of Wales' Six Nations heroes return to the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday - the scene of their Grand Slam-winning exploits - when they line up for Ospreys against Saracens in the EDF Energy Cup semi-final on Saturday.
It made headline news and raised the hackles of a fair number of Welsh rugby diehards, but the focus on Warren Gatland's decision to play 12 Ospreys players in the starting line-up for the opening Six Nations game against England soon faded from view.
And those Ospreys players have played a huge part in Wales' stunning success, with the national side going on to beat England, Italy, Scotland, Ireland and then France to secure the Grand Slam.
And for the Ospreys' contingent in the Welsh squad, it couldn't be better timing, with another adrenalin-filled game as they return to domestic action in the semi-final.
As was the case last year, the two semi-finals are being played back-to-back at the same venue and tickets are valid for both matches.
Leicester Tigers, the Ospreys' Twickenham conquerors last season, face Wasps in the early game (14.30 GMT), before the Ospreys and Saracens get under way (17.15 GMT).
Ospreys scrumhalf Justin Marshall, not one of those away on international duty, enjoyed possibly his finest game in an Ospreys shirt in last year's semifinal and he says he's hoping for another memorable 80 minutes this time.
"As a team we put on a fantastic show against the Cardiff Blues last year to book our place in the Final and we have to look to do the same thing again on Saturday," the All Black No.9 said.
"Confidence is going to be high amongst the squad. We're doing well in the two cups [EDF Energy and Heineken] so I'm sure that it'll be another memorable game."
He knows the fans and the fact the game is on Welsh territory, could be vital.
"I've said before that Ospreys' fans are amongst the best there is. They always help to create a magnificent atmosphere wherever we are playing and hopefully it'll be no different when we run out at the Millennium Stadium against Saracens.
"It looks as though they are going to be there in numbers once more, so hopefully we'll be able to reward them with a second trip to Twickenham, and this time we'll aim to go one better and bring the EDF Energy Cup back."
As to whether the Ospreys will enjoy a 'home' advantage, being the one Welsh side in the competition, the club's managing director Roger Blyth says: "There's a real buzz about Welsh rugby right now given the fantastic results achieved by the national side in the Six Nations. Last season we took about 10,000 supporters to the semifinal and it would be nice to think that we can top that this time."
For Saracens' captain Neil de Kock, Saturday's second of the two back-to-back EDF Energy Cup semifinals will be his first experience of the Millennium Stadium.
"I've never played there before although I've watched a few games and it's a great stadium," he explained.
"I'm really looking forward to it and it's going to be a fantastic occasion, especially with both games being played back to back which just adds to the excitement and atmosphere.
"It's a massive game – the type of match that every player wants to be part of. You never lose the sense of nervous excitement of playing in big games, whether you've played in World Cups or finals around the world. Everyone is the same.
"Looking at the Ospreys, they may not have played much as a region in recent weeks but you couldn't say they haven't been playing together especially when 13 of them played for Wales against England! Then you add in the likes of experienced players such as Justin Marshall, Marty Holah and Filo Tiatia and it makes for an impressive line-up.
"Wales have been the outstanding side in the Six Nations and that confidence is sure to rub off on the Ospreys side and they will believe they can go all the way in the Heineken Cup and EDF Energy Cup.
"We believe we have a squad that is capable of doing the same. That's what makes this such an exciting clash."
With thanks to edfenergycup.com
