The Welsh region produced a stunning late comeback in the South of France to progress as one of eight teams handed a home tie in the round of 16.
Pau led through scores from full back Theo Attissogbe, centre’s Fabien Brau-Boirie and Eliott Roudil plus a penalty try as the home scrum threatened to dominate.
But captain Jac Morgan and rising star Morgan Morse inspired Ospreys who twice came from behind in the second half to claim a significant victory.
Centre Evardi Boshoff, Morgan, new Wales call up Dan Edwards and Luke Davies all crossed after former Scarlets wing Ryan Conbeer had scored on his return from injury.
The bonus-point triumph secured second place in Pool 2 and home advantage in the next round on the weekend of 4-6 April.
For a delighted Jones the win was reward for the bravery shown by his young side.
“I enjoyed the win and the feeling that the supporters and I are feeling right now,” said Joens in his post-match press conference.
“It was though the way that we won the game. The moments early on in defense where we set our stall out and how difficult we were going to be to be beat today.
“Although they took the lead, I thought we were winning a lot of those moments prior to that. There was the odd penalty and offload that cost us, but I knew the signs were good right from the off.
“We talked about attacking them with a real brave mindset, and at the end, the boys were still looking for more. You have got to love that about the group.
“We have asked them to be braver and they have taken that on and actioned it, which is class.
“There were some incredible individual performances. The age profile of Lewis Lloyd and Morgan Morse – two very young players.
“Lew playing in the front-row against a massive opposition and Morsey’s carrying ability, tackling and decision making at the break was so disciplined in what he competed with and what he didn’t.
“Their moments on the ball were big for us. Those two young players stood out.
“Dan Edwards playing at outside half managed the game in the right areas and also played us in when it was on.
“I thought Ryan Conbeer was class and Ethan Lewis done well off the bench.
“But I can’t give Jac [Morgan] enough compliments – I’m just pleased he got through it unscathed.
“As awesome as this as a feeling we now have to park that and on Tuesday we have a tough travel day and need to make sure we are recovered.
“We have a tough Benetton team coming to us energised, so we will try to keep the players fresh as we can this week.”
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
