European Challenge Cup: Ospreys aim to keep Welsh flag flying against Sale

Toby Booth took over as Ospreys head coach in 2020

Head coach Toby Booth hopes Ospreys can fly the flag for Welsh rugby in Saturday's European Challenge Cup match against Sale in Bridgend.

Ospreys are the sole Welsh side to qualify for the last 16 in either of this season's European tournament knockout stages.

They are also the only Welsh team with a chance of reaching the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs.

"We are excited we are flying the flag for Wales," said Booth.

"We want to be a team people can get around, and instead of all the gloom around Welsh rugby, there is something to celebrate.

"We are hoping we get a good crowd, people come out and support us because we want to progress."

Ospreys have switched the last-16 tie from the Swansea.com Stadium to the Brewery Field.

Booth recognises Welsh rugby desperately needs a success story among the doom and gloom.

"There is a massive mutual support and empathy for Welsh rugby within each region," he said.

"You get good luck messages and support each other because ultimately we want to do well, because in the big picture it's good we will all benefit from.

"I'm a big believer in the glass half-full.

"Let's get behind something, even if it's for a moment. If other sides were in a similar position, I'd be supportive and wish them well.

"Because if we have a successful campaign, more players want to play rugby and be involved. It can only be good for the health of the game.

"Once we get a chance to get behind something - and this time it's us - let's do it."

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Ospreys were knocked out of the Champions Cup by Saracens last year.

"There are no second chances," said Booth.

"You have a narrow focus and it is a cup final mentality this week.

"We have worked hard to create an opportunity to progress in the tournament, much like we did last year.

"To get beyond the last 16, albeit in a different competition, would be a step forward."

The Brewery Field had a capacity crowd when Ospreys played Cardiff on New Year's Day

Back to Bridgend

Ospreys have chosen to stage the game at the smaller Brewery Field, in the first European match to be held in Bridgend since the long defunct Celtic Warriors beat Perpignan 16-15 in January 2004.

The Ospreys' usual home, the Swansea.com Stadium, has a 20,500 capacity and was available to host Sale with football landlords Swansea City playing away this weekend.

Ospreys beat Cardiff 27-21 at the 8,000-capacity Bridgend ground in the URC on 1 January in horrendous conditions.

Chief executive Lance Bradley says the region are looking to move away from the Swansea.com Stadium on a permanent basis, with Bridgend one of three options alongside St Helen's in Swansea and the Gnoll in Neath.

Bradley, who says this game will have no bearing on where the new permanent home stadium will be, indicated Booth and the squad had a say in switching this fixture.

"There are a lot of reasons not to take it there because we are very familiar with Swansea, but we had a good emotional experience there (against Cardiff)," said Booth.

"I like the earthiness of it all and the feel of an old school rugby club. We are a team that work hard and have a lot of grit, and at the moment that suits that sort of fixture."

Booth insists the venue switch was not an attempt to disrupt Sale.

"They will be fine with it, this has nothing to do with Sale," said Booth.

"It's more to do with the experiences we have had with the group. There could be an argument it suits them more.

"We want to focus on ourselves and I appreciate other coaches and teams thinking we have done it for some master tactical reasoning, but we haven't.

"We have done it because we have a good memory of playing well there, fighting and competing, and in cup rugby that is what you need.

"You want the intensity from the crowd and that makes a difference.

"Having them in a confined space generates more intensity, so the more people that come out at 8pm on Saturday and watch us the better and the greater our chances will be."

Sale wary of Ospreys challenge

Sale are aware of the Bridgend factor, with head coach Alex Sanderson saying he has relatives in the area.

"I think I have an extra perception of what rugby is to these towns that don't have a lot left going for them," said Sanderson.

"The heart of rugby in Cape Town lies with the Stormers and I say the same for the Welsh clubs.

"They have had less attendances franchising those clubs, taking it away from the old mining towns where it was the hotbed of the game.

"Taking it back there (to Bridgend) is a smart move for the local fans and they will have everybody behind them.

"Part of me is apprehensive, those feelings you get before you step into an unknown, not for me but the boys, because it's different down there in Bridgend.

"It's a bit of a cauldron from going from nice stadiums, big changing rooms and good surfaces to something that is going to be quite inhospitable, partisan, dogged, like a proper battle.

"I am conscious they need to be aware of that.

"You generally get a bus-load or two down from your own ground but it's that far away and that late at night.

"I imagine there will be 8,023 Welsh fans and players against 23 of us, so that in itself gets the butterflies going."

Sanderson, who has named a much-changed side with star names like George Ford and Manu Tuilagi rested, added: "They (Ospreys) are a sticky team, I mean that as a compliment. Every win or loss they have had this season has not been by a great amount.

"We have to make sure we have the motivational drive they have because if you don't bring that to the table, it will be a long way home with five hours on the bus at 10pm at night."