Booth wants to see more from Ospreys
OSPREYS coach Toby Booth says having bowed out in two quarter-finals will fuel their appetite to achieve even more next season as they set their ambitions higher.
Booth’s team exceeded expectations by reaching the last eight of both the Challenge Cup and the URC, ultimately losing to Gloucester and Munster respectively.
In what was a tough campaign for Welsh rugby at both international and regional level, they really flew the flag.
They won more games in all competitions (14) than the other three Welsh pro teams put together (13), while their home record was particularly impressive, with 10 victories from 12 matches.
“If you look at what we set out to do, we had certain targets at the start of the season,” reflects Booth.
“We said we would win the Welsh Shield, we did that. We said we would get to the knock-outs in Europe, we did that. We said we would try and get to the URC play-offs and we did that.
“So, from that point of view, maybe we should set our ambition a little bit higher.
“We have to maintain the standards that have got us to be a top eight team because we want to be one again. And then, from there, you look to become a top four team. You always want more. As coaches and players, you are always searching for the perfect game. That’s what keeps us coming back.”
Having defied the odds by making the URC playoffs, the Ospreys found last weekend’s trip to Thomond Park a step too far as they lost 23-7 to reigning champions Munster.
That followed on from a 23-13 defeat away to Gloucester at the same quarter-final stage of the Challenge Cup in April.
“Those disappointments will give us the appetite to want to keep going,” said Booth. “We gave ourselves a shot and we should be proud of that. To a man, the players did their very best. We have earned respect. We have given some positivity in Welsh rugby, which is probably the most important thing. When the dust settles, we will be pleased we have moved forward.
“Firstly, it gives us the confidence and belief that we can get there and, secondly, the disappointment will fuel us to want to get better. We want to compare ourselves with the top eight and not be the best of the rest. We are a part of that top eight now.”
Booth acknowledges there will be challenges next season, with regional playing budgets being cut again, but he takes heart from the people around him. “You won’t find a coach in the world that doesn’t want more players,” he says. “But what I really want is Ospreys players. I want people that represent this region in the way it should be represented – the likes of Justin Tipuric and Nicky Smith, people who understand what it’s like to be an Osprey. That’s the standard, that’s the identity.
“What’s good is the youngsters coming through all display that. That’s the big success story. We are very strong on trying to have the right attitude and the right effort-based stuff.
“The challenge is to get like-minded people who want to work hard for the group and put the team first. That can be a very special thing in tight moments.”
Looking ahead, he said: “We are excited about the people coming in and we have a little bit more to do, to bring some freshness in.
“Hopefully, we can build competition for places which drives the players. If we get our standards, effort, unity and clarity right, we give ourselves a good shot.”