‘No second chances’ says Ospreys Beard as Welsh region look to reach last four of the Challenge Cup  

In what will be a huge night for the Welsh region, the Ospreys travel to face the Cherry & White’s looking to continue their history-making campaign which has seen Toby Booth’s side progress in a knockout round in Europe for the first time. 

Having beaten one Gallagher Premiership side in Sale just last week in south Wales, the Ospreys travel this week to the intimidating Kingsolm ground. They face a Gloucester side hitting form at the right time after a slow start to the domestic campaign with seven wins in their last eight matches in all competitions. 

With just two defeats in the calendar year, however, the Ospreys have shown they can more than hold their own against more-fancied opponents. 

With opportunities far and far between to progress to the latter stages of a European tournament, 28-year-old Wales stalwart Beard believes his teammates are ready to embrace the challenge ahead. 

“It would be huge for us to get to that semi-final,” said Beard speaking in the club’s pre-match press conference. 

“That is one thing as a region we are targeting. It doesn’t get any more exciting than to go to Gloucester to play a European quarter-final. 

“We don’t get any second chances now – it is knockout rugby, and we are going to do everything in our power to get there. We have had a good training week, and the boys are ready to go up against them. 

“It’s another Anglo-Welsh derby. Gloucester have good support which can make it feel quite hostile, but it will be a great experience to play in a packed-out stadium. I know the boys and the coaches are looking forward to it. 

“The scrum and their maul will be a really big weapon for them, they have some quality players in that pack and bring a big threat to the set-piece. 

“We do though back ourselves on that so I imagine come Friday night, it will be a good battle up front, but one we’re looking forward to. 

“No one gave us a chance last year against Montpellier – we were just a group of lads who went out there and enjoyed our rugby and each other’s company, working hard for each other. 

“That is the same vibe we have been getting going into this week. We know there are no second chances and we have to be on it on the day. 

“We will not put too much pressure on and look to enjoy the game. That is when we know we play our best rugby. 

“We are going to keep that confidence building and hopefully we will get a win on Friday night.” 

The Ospreys will be without Wales international Rhys Davies for the tie after the lock suffered a season-ending knee injury but will be boosted by the return to fitness of hooker Sam Parry, a late withdrawal in the last-16 win against Sale last weekend. 

Head coach Toby Booth was initially pessimistic about Parry’s hamstring problem but said the player is now in contention for selection. 

“Sam is ok, he looks like he’s got through and he’s trained, which is good,” said Booth. 

Meanwhile, Ospreys quartet Tristan Davies, Lewis Jones, Will Hickey and Cameron Jones have linked up with South African side Cheetahs on short-term loans as part of the ongoing partnership between the two sides. 

The Ospreys have already benefited from the partnership with Cheetahs players Dan Kasende, Marnus van der Merwe, Rewan Kruger, Evardi Boshoff, Jeandré Rudolph and Victor Sekekete having made appearances this season. 

“This collaboration exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and mutual support that defines our partnership with Ospreys,” said Toyota chief executive Ross van Reenen. 

“By sharing talent and resources, we strengthen both our clubs and enrich the rugby experience for players and fans alike.” 

[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]