Johnson says past expectations on the Ospreys have not been realistic

Ospreys coaching boss Scott Johnson has attempted to play down their star-studded reputation.

Johnson says European rivals such as Munster, Cardiff Blues and Leicester also have big names on their books.

Citing Welsh rivals the Blues as an example, he said: "Cardiff have probably got as much depth as us, but it's not noted as much."

He also pledged the Ospreys will produce a "respectable, real gutsy team effort" in the coming season.

The ex-Wales and former Wallabies assistant coach says past expectations on the Ospreys have been unrealistic, but that he believes they are good enough to compete for silverware in the Magners League, EDF Energy Cup and Heineken Cup.

He added: "You could argue that because of some star players there's there's expectation on some personnel and the team carries that burden.

606: DEBATE Do you agree with Scott Johnson?

"But I look through the squads of other teams and I'm thinking 'I can't believe they get away with having the accolades'.

"I mean you have a look - Munster's got more Lions than us. I think Cardiff [also have].

"So star-studdedness? I think we're a good squad and we think we're a great squad, so do other people, and I just think sometimes the expectations here are not in complete level with reality.

"So all we can get a hold of is doing our part right. And if we get our part right we'll compete because we're good enough to compete and as I say, and I keep saying this all the time, there's only one thing we can control.

"We can't control the opposition, nor the referee, but we can certainly control our part so if we can get our part right, more often than not we'll be okay."

He added: "We've got a good squad, we'll be competitive and I don't make many assumptions.

"I'd just like to say if we provide anything it will be respectable, real gutsy team effort and what comes off that will be what comes of it. I can't control that.

"Whilst our squad is good I think most of the squads have got the depth.

"Have a look at Cardiff - Cardiff have probably got as much depth as us but it's not noted as much.

What you see you get with Jerry [Collins]. He's renowned around the world Scott Johnson

"And those European teams, the French clubs, the Leicesters of the world - they have certainly got the depth of our squad and in some cases you could argue more.

"But the reality is we've got a good enough squad. They've got to cope, that's all there is to it.

"There'll be some young players out there, players people haven't heard so much about, but that's a needs-must."

Johnson also hailed the signing of ex-New Zealand back-row star Jerry Collins during the off-season.

"What you see you get with Jerry. He's renowned around the world. You try to classify players as a coach and as a player you sort of know what category they fall into.

"I don't think there could be any dispute. He's a wonderful, hard rugby player and a brave rugby player and if we get nothing else except that, we'd be really happy with him."

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