Williams wants Ospreys improvement
Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:18
Welsh star Shane Williams says he and his team will need to go back to the drawing board if they want to make a serious challenge for European glory this season.
Willliams and the Ospreys grabbed a single bonus point from their game at Welford Road on Sunday but will know that they were lucky to have achieved even that with their below standard display.
The first half particularly saw a determined Tigers produce a number of attacking opportunities and, had it not been for their poor finishing, they could have been well clear at the break.
"Going into the changing rooms after the first half we really didn’t know what had hit us to be honest,” said the Grand Slam hero.
"Leicester threw absolutely everything at us for 40 minutes. We had a really tough time at the set-pieces and there could have been a couple of tries for them.
"We just didn’t have time to think. They absolutely dominated the first 20 minutes of the game and took us a little bit by surprise, and it’s difficult to come back from that.
"We refocused and regrouped in the dressing room at half-time. We knew we had to compete up front to begin with and then get the ball out wide.
"I think we did a little bit better in the second half and could have just snuck it at the end, but it wasn’t to be. It is frustrating, but that’s European rugby. It can go either way sometimes.”
For all their dominance though the Guinness Premiership side were never able to put the game away and, with only a 12-3 lead at the break, the game was still there for the taking.
James Hook then converted a penalty early in the second half to take them to within six points and ultimately earned his side, what could prove to be, a valuable bonus point.
"Of course it’s a consolation to get the bonus point. You saw last season how important these bonus points are for sides going through.
"It’s not a bad thing coming up to Welford Road and coming away with a point. It could have swung both ways. We could have had no points at all. That’s a little positive to come out of it.
"What’s important is we know we can play better than that and we are going to have to do to well in this European Cup.
"The group stages are always tough and tight and we’ve got a big game against Perpignan next week and we’ve got to buck our ideas up.
"It’s a game we have to win. In Europe you have to win your home games, we all know that.
"We’ll have to play a lot better than we did today. Hopefully, we can step it up a little bit next week. We need that win now.
"It’s the Heineken Cup, it’s not easy. Every game you play is going to be tough and they don’t come much tougher than Leicester away.
"I am sure Perpignan will be just as tough next week.
"They are a very physical, large side with some quality players behind as well. It’s going to be a tough match, but we have got the home advantage and it’s simple – we need the win."
