In front of their own support, the Ospreys have built somewhat of a fortress, winning six out of the seven games in all competitions at the Swansea-based ground to put themselves in contention to be in the end of season’s top eight play-off shake-up.
Last time out in south Wales, Irish province Ulster became the latest to suffer defeat against Booth’s talented youngsters with fly-half Dan Edwards’ late drop-goal sealing a dramatic 19-17 win with the last kick of the game.
Ulster would be stunned, as have others who have tried and failed to get a result in Landore. The Scots of Glasgow the only side to come away with anything more than a losing bonus point from the Swansea.com Stadium way back in November.
In a pivotal stage of the season that will no doubt play a heavy part in deciding their final positioning, the Ospreys face crunch back-to-back home matches where pressure will be on to meet the growing expectations of support teased with optimism.
First up comes the powerhouse of reigning champions and sixth-placed Munster on Friday night, a side four places and as many points ahead of them in the standings.
In a quick turnaround next weekend, the Emirates Lions, another side still in touch with the top eight fly into south Wales looking for revenge for their Challenge Cup defeat in late January. The opposition arguably where belief and momentum gathered pace with the Ospreys first win in South Africa in their history.
Whilst the 19-15 defeat in Edinburgh three weeks ago slowed Booth’s side’s progress up the table, the Ospreys boss feels that despite ‘letting the game get away’, bouncing back at home will be important to continue his side’s challenge, whilst also changing the mindset from being an underdog to a competitor.
“Our home form has been good. From our point of view, continuing that is important for us to establish ourselves as a competitor,” said Booth.
“We’ve talked as a group about creating an opportunity to get ourselves into the final shake-up and home games are the primary way to allow us to do that.
“This game and the next are very important for us for momentum to stay in that top-eight realm which we want to be in.
“You always want to start games well, especially at home, it sets the tone. They will be looking to do the same, but we want to impose ourselves as soon as we can.
“He [Graham Rowntree] has done a really good job there. They have kicked on and like all the Irish provinces are very competitive and tough.
“They [the Ospreys supporters] make a massive difference. The last game at home was a great example of that against Ulster. They massively played a part.
“People like playing in front of their own supporters, so the more we have the better the atmosphere and connectivity to everyone on the pitch.”
Keen to take the positives from the Edinburgh defeat Booth wants to improve on the small margins that cost his side at the Hive.
“Everyone focuses on the last play of the game where you have the opportunity to win it, but the penalty count was high compared to usual,” continued Booth.
“We are normally better disciplinary-wise. If you look at what they created, we defended brilliantly and were tough away from home.
“Our thoughts are though that we gifted too much too easy, it was the one that got away, the last play you focus on but there were plenty of opportunities for us to negate even being in that position.”
When asked about whether the players revel the underdog tag Booth said “I think so. I think though it’s less about favourite or underdog but more about respect or lack of respect.”
“We have talked about earning respect as a group and if we keep putting in tough effort-based performances you gain respect. That is the first part of climbing the ladder.
“The underdog tag suggests low expectations, so it is easier to fly under the radar. Whereas our expectations in the group are strong and are about being the best we can be.
“I do think being an underdog has its favours in relation to expectations to reduce pressure on a young squad, I think there is a bit of benefit in that.
“Ultimately, we are trying to become the favourite at some point so there are pluses and minuses in both ways. Once you’re the favourite expectations are greater, and the performance and consistency need to be raised as well as results.
“It’s [going to be] a tough challenge [against Munster], but an exciting one. Fingers crossed we can get our performance right and see where it takes us.”
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
