In a season of proving doubters wrong and overcoming the odds, the Ospreys prepare for their showpiece knockout tie with their English rivals with nothing to lose. After a stellar campaign in both the URC and Europe, Booth’s side now face their star-studded Gallagher Premiership opponents in Bridgend in front of what is likely to be a sell-out crowd.
Six wins in their last eight matches in all competitions will bring optimism for the Swansea-based region against a side bang out of form without a win since mid-December prior to their statement 41-5 victory over Exeter last weekend.
“There is a cup final mentality around,” said Booth ahead of the tie.
“There are no second chances. There is a really narrow focus which makes it exciting.
“You work very hard all year and your career to create an opportunity and we have created one to progress in the tournament much like we did last year.
“To get beyond the last-16 would be another step forward and that would be great. We will though take it one step at a time if we do that.
“We’re excited that we are flying the flag for Wales and are being a team that people can really get behind instead of all the doom and gloom of Welsh rugby.
“The guys were ready to go on Tuesday, but you have to curb that enthusiasm in the right way. There has definitely been an edge [to training].
“It is really something we can celebrate and are hoping that we can get a good crowd and people will support us because we want to progress further.”
Booth, under no illusions of the physical challenge that is ahead, is respectful of his opposition’s strengths but is focused on his own team’s performance and what he wants to see from his players coming Saturday evening. The former London-Irish and Bath coach believes there is an opportunity open and it’s up to his side if they take it.
“You need to bring a level of intensity against a very well-coached side,” continued Booth.
“Also, discipline is important, not just on the penalty count but how you want to play the game and not letting the occasion get the better of you.
“We know that Sale will provide a huge physical battle, pressure commitment and competitive edge. You just have to see how they dismantled Exeter last weekend to see that.
“I watched that game I thought that is a very tough team to beat and one that will not go away.
“It was a very professional and robust performance that you expect from Sale irrespective of their ups and downs and injuries.
“We know that their physicality will be extremely difficult to deal with and we have to make sure that we are resilient. I’m sure they know though that we possess some of those qualities too.”
The Ospreys will welcome back front-row Nicky Smith to the squad after missing out on the URC win over the Emirates Lions with a rib problem. They will though be sweating on the fitness of Sam Parry ahead of the clash after the hooker was forced off on his 150th appearance for the region last weekend. Booth is hopeful the hooker will be able to play a part but revealed that no decision has been made yet.
“We will have to see on Sam [Parry], but we think he will be ok. Nicky [Smith] is fine [to return] which is good. We have a few bumps but were not too bad,” explained Booth.
“He [Evardi Boshoff] is cup-tied for the Cheetahs, so he won’t figure. We will have to re-jig [the midfield] a little bit.
“According to their press, he [George Ford] is not playing. I don’t think they are a team that plays games with the selections.
“As one door shuts another one opens and du Preez probably has greater physicality.
“George has one of the best game management brains as well as the ability to unlock a defense, so the challenge moves to a different form but it’s still a big one.
“It will come down to key moments [for us] in the game and making sure you give a true reflection of what you are as a team.
“As a result, you have to nail those moments because finals are decided on those executions of what you do.”
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
