OSPREYS: ‘Not once did he say he was tired’: Jones hails ‘legend’ Edwards as he returns at ten in Johannesburg

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones has called Dan Edwards “an absolute legend”, as the fly-half returns at ten for this afternoon’s United Rugby Championship game against the Lions in Johannesburg.

Edwards is one of the 12 changes to the side beaten in Durban, replacing Lawson Creighton, who drops to the bench. Kick-off at Ellis Park is 12.45pm.

Jones said the Wales international had been a constant over the last two seasons, and pointed to Edwards’ own line that his best quality is his availability.

“He’s done a brilliant job coming with tonnes of energy for us,” Jones said. “Due to some injuries we had in the squad at the beginning of last year, and obviously playing Jack Walsh often in the same team, he had to often be involved in a matchday squad.

“Not once did he ever look at me and say, I’m tired, or I could do with a week off. He was good to go every single week. I love that about Dan, he’s a competitor.”

‘He’s going to need to have rest points’

That workload is now something the head coach wants to manage, with Edwards’ Wales commitments adding to his season after he made the ten shirt his own towards the end of last term.

“I know to get the best out of him as well, we need to make sure that he’s rested,” Jones said. “He’s going to need to have rest points as well, but obviously we’re pretty keen to get Dan out there. The team really benefits when he plays.”

The plan, he said, is to “get the most out of him, but make sure that he’s rested for the key games, in particular in his international blocks”.

Kicking game sharpened on Wales duty

Jones believes Edwards came back from the international window a better kicker.

“I think his line kicking improved massively through the international block last year. Distance on his kick to touch was awesome for the international team, and he brought that back to the Ospreys as well, and he’s been working hard at that,” he said.

“I love the way he manages the game, and understands when to play fast, and get on top of teams, and go for the throat, versus the time to put the ball behind the opposition as well.

“It’s very rare you get a player that can be an exciting running threat, but also understands balance as well for the team, so when to get his forwards moving forward.”

Edwards, Creighton and the fight for the ten shirt

Jones described Edwards and Creighton as “different types of players”, with Harri Wilde pushing from behind them for a place in the matchday 23.

“I think his relationship with Lawson has started pretty well,” he said. “I think we’ve got good competition for places.”

The head coach was not hiding his enthusiasm. “I’m excited about Dan,” he said. “Really excited, love working with Dan, and he’s a class guy.”

The squad travels straight home after the game, with the Dragons to come on Friday night.

Author

Richard Bond

Swansea-based sports journalist.
Twitter: @RichBond00
Email: RichardBond@swanseabaynews.com