BBC Sportrugbyunion

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 12:17 GMT, Friday, 23 April 2010 13:17 UK

Lee Byrne targets Ospreys top two Magners finish

MAGNERS LEAGUE - Munster v Ospreys
Venue: Thomond Park Date: Saturday, 24 April Kick-off: 1830 BST
Coverage: Live on S4C and full commentary on BBC Radio Cymru, score updates on BBC Radio Wales and online & highlights on Sunday's Scrum V show


Interview: Ospreys full-back Lee Byrne

Ospreys full-back Lee Byrne says his side are targeting a top-two finish in the Magners League to secure a home play-off match.

Byrne told BBC Sport that the play-offs was the Ospreys' last chance for silverware this season.

The Ospreys play Munster at Thomond Park on Saturday, knowing that at least win and a losing bonus point are needed in their final two matches.

However, the Welsh region have not won in Munster since 2004.

"We need to finish in the top two to secure a home draw - that's our perfect scenario," said Byrne.

"We have worked hard this season as a squad and we want to come away with silverware and this is our last chance.

Lee Byrne
Lee Byrne remains in the starting XV for Ospreys against Munster

"We know that and that's what we are going to aim for."

The last time the Ospreys tackled the Irish region at Thomond Park was in last year's Heineken Cup quarter final when then Welsh side were thrashed 43-9.

Byrne, who did not play that day, said the match had been "mentioned" in preparation for Saturday's game.

"We didn't do ourselves any favours and it was not a true reflection of this team.

"So this year we can go back over there and show them what we can really do."

The match against Munster is the Osprey's third away game against Irish opposition in a row, having beaten Ulster and lost to Leinster.

The Ospreys ran out of steam in the second half against Leinster, in what was their third game in a week.

"Obviously there were a lot of tired bodies out there at the end.

"After the week we'd had it was a big ask. The boys did us proud and I thought they were unlucky not to come away with a win."

The Ospreys are tied on points with Munster, in second and third place in the league currently, but any four from seven sides hold ambitions to make the play offs with two games of the season remaining.

Byrne said: "Munster has got one of the biggest squads - both squads they can put out for a Magners League game or Heineken Cup are stronger than anyone."

But he said the Ospreys would be going to Munster with a side "good enough to win".



Print Sponsor


see also
Munster v Ospreys (Sat)
23 Apr 10 |  Welsh
Connacht 12-18 Munster
18 Apr 10 |  Connacht
Leinster 20-16 Ospreys
16 Apr 10 |  Welsh
Ospreys 19-14 Munster
05 Dec 09 |  Welsh
RaboDirect Pro12
11 Apr 07 |  Rugby Union
BBC Sport Wales coverage
03 Oct 11 |  Wales


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites