We have to up the ante, says Ospreys Gruff Rees
THE Ospreys will be looking to go where they have never been before in the Heineken Cup this weekend.
Steve Tandy's team will head for Leicester on Sunday aiming to become the first line-up from the region to open a European campaign with back to back victories.
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Gruff Rees
But assistant coach Gruff Rees is adamant they will need to raise their game if they are to build on the 38-17 win over Treviso last Friday.
"We need to up the ante," said Rees.
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"There was a period against Treviso when we weren't in control of what we were doing and we put ourselves under pressure.
"We built a healthy lead, but then took our eye off the ball and were forced to dig ourselves out of trouble.
"When we're sharp and accurate, with everyone understanding the process, we look a dangerous team.
"The flip side is there are times when we look loose and individual.
"We have to make sure we're a bit more constant in what we do.
"Often the simple thing is the right thing.
"We're too clever for our own good sometimes."
But even though the Ospreys feel there is scope to improve, the way they dismantled Treviso at forward will encourage them ahead of their trip to one of European rugby's most testing venues for visiting sides.
In prospect is a titanic tussle between two of British rugby's leading packs.
Leicester rarely get bettered up front at their Welford Road citadel. But the Ospreys' eight, spearheaded by Alun Wyn Jones, are in form.
"We're expecting a tough, physical challenge," said Rees.
"You can get boxed in by the Welford Road atmosphere and the physicality Leicester bring, and we have to make sure it doesn't grind us down.
"We've seen how they play.
"We know we have to apply our game for 80 or 90 minutes of rugby, which we didn't do against Treviso.
"If we have loose periods and go onto the back foot, making ourselves defensively vulnerable, it could be a long day. We know we have to tighten up."
MARK ORDERS
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