By Gareth James
Ospreys head coach Toby Booth thanked the fans who ventured into enemy territory to cheer their side to a famous European win.
Booth’s men began their Challenge Cup campaign in style, claiming a commanding 30-14 victory over the Lions at Parc y Scarlets.
Relocated to Llanelli due to damage at the Swansea.com Stadium caused by Storm Darragh, the Ospreys delivered a robust and clinical performance.
They secured a bonus-point triumph by scoring four tries against their South African rivals.
After falling behind early in the first half, the Ospreys turned the tide with scores from Jac Morgan, Keelan Giles, and Kieran Hardy. Dan Edwards capped off the win in the dying moments with a brilliant individual effort to secure the bonus point.
Bonus point victories in Europe are nothing without the supporters… especially when you’ve asked them to come to Parc y Scarlets at the last minute!
Thanks to everyone for making the trip and to our at friends at the @scarlets_rugby for stepping in to support ❤️… pic.twitter.com/FVYCU4BixP
— Ospreys (@ospreys) December 8, 2024
Captain Jac Morgan was once again at the heart of everything for his side, earning a deserved man-of-the-match accolade.
“I want to thank everyone who came to watch, it isn’t easy to change your plans,” said Booth.
“I thought they came in numbers and were vocal. Secondly, I would also like to thank the Scarlets who were very hospitable, which was important in our time of need.
“It was ironic that they had roof issues, but we got the game on and that is the most important thing.
“It is easy to hide behind this and that, and I think that was the most impressive thing for me was despite what had happened previously, we were proper on it this week.
“If you have a team with intent and effort, over 80 minutes it will work out and come down to key moments, quality and consistency and that is when the Ospreys are at their best.
“We weathered the early storm and didn’t get punished on the scoreboard. It showed to me how much the playing staff wanted to respond, care about each other, and what we represent.
“If you have got that finding a way becomes easy.”
The icing on the cake! @ospreys‘ Dan Edwards skips away from two players and scores a brilliant try ⚫#ChallengeCupRugby pic.twitter.com/X0GwsxLyCL
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 8, 2024
The impressive display sets a strong foundation for the Ospreys ahead of the rest of their Challenge Cup journey.
“We are really pleased. We love the competition and are excited by it,” added Booth.
“Campaigns are not always straightforward and we have had challenges to get past.
“We talked about this second block, and this is about how you set yourself up for what is coming around the corner. It is an exciting part of the season for us.
“The most impressive thing was despite what had happened previously, we looked like ourselves today and that is the biggest compliment I can give us.”