Pro12: Ospreys' Steve Tandy proud despite Munster defeat

Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy said he was "proud" of his young side despite their defeat by Munster in the Pro12 play-off semi-final.

Munster set up a final against Glasgow with a 21-18 win.

The Ospreys' side did not feature a player under the age of 30 and Tandy says more young players will be given a chance next season.

"It's pretty exciting the side we're putting together," Tandy said. We've got to keep that team together."

He added: "It's obviously hugely disappointing [to lose to Munster] but as coaches we feel immensely proud of a young group that's come away, battled and showed a lot of [good] football."

Ospreys had been written off in some quarters before starting the 2014-2015 season following high-profile departures.

Tandy said that financial factors and World Cup call-ups will result in even more young players being involved next season.

"We'll probably lose around 14 to 15 [players] to the World Cup so we'll have to rely on more youngsters who are being well looked after through our age grade systems," Tandy added.

"We'll have an even more youthful squad to look after throughout the summer but that's our job and we're excited by it.

Josh Matavesi's injury-time try was ruled out for a Rhys Webb knock on

"There's a wealth of talent coming through again and the only way they're going to get better is by gaining experience."

Josh Matavesi appeared to have won the semi-final for the Ospreys in injury-time, but his try was ruled out for a Rhys Webb knock on.

Tandy's side had trailed 16-3 but fought back through tries from Webb and Jeff Hassler, but their efforts were not quite enough.

"There were real fine margins in and around the game," said Tandy.

"Errors from us cost us but when you look back at it and how the group kept coming back, kept fighting and they missed one or two kicks - it's a fine margin.

"It's a TMO's decision the fact that we wouldn't be the first team to win an away semi."

Ospreys missed out on securing a home semi-final after failing to score a bonus try in beating Connacht in their final game of the regular season the previous week.

"We can always look back," Tandy added. "But I'd rather look at today and coming away to Thomond Park and playing a pretty experienced team and how we fought and stuck in the game.

"Ultimately we weren't far away from getting victory."