The Ospreys are confident of reaching their first Heineken Cup quarter-final despite drawing Munster, Harlequins and Castres in a tough Pool Four. "Making the quarters is an achievable goal," Ospreys manager Derwyn Jones told the South Wales Evening Post.
"Now that we are down to just the four sides in Wales, all the regions should be stronger than they were last year.
"Obviously it will be difficult as the competition is so strong, but I hope the fans will get behind us."
The west Glamorgan regional side open with a testing trip to Castres and Jones is aware of the danger posed. ''They are a very good side,'' he said. ''They have been particularly competitive in the French Championship this year and the fact that they are in Europe will mean they will attract some international quality players during the off-season.
''It is a very difficult group, but every Welsh side will look at their draw and say the same thing."
After Castres, the Ospreys face a home tie with perennial Heineken challengers Munster, and the powerful Irish province were happy after seeing the group.
"We've got a reasonable draw and it will be nice to start at home [against Harlequins]," said Munster coach Alan Gaffney.
"There are some good connections between us and Quins and it will be a nice fixture for Jeremy Staunton and Paul Burke, who have crossed over between the two clubs this summer.
"There is also great history between ourselves and Castres.
"We've had some great battles with them in the past and we will all be looking forward to those two contests.
"The way the fixtures have fallen means we will have to travel to France immediately after the November internationals finish.
"That won't be easy for us, but we'll just have to get on with it."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
We've got a reasonable draw 
