Ospreys need new wingers!!

its incredible how much a season can change. This time last year the idea of ospreys needing to recruit a new winger was laughable.

2011 - Shane Williams, Tommy Bowe, Nikki Walker, Richard Fussell, Kristian Phillips and Tom Prydie were all able wingers. They also had two young pretenders in Hanno Dirksen and Eli Walker waiting in the wings.

-2012 - either moving to pasteur new or retiring has lead the ospreys to upgrade their up and coming wingers in Walker and Dirsken to first team players with Fussell more used as full-back. there is a serious lack of depth behind that. bridgend RFC speedstar Luke Morgan looks undoubted quality and will probably be promoted and Ryan evans down swansea is one for the future. Heck, they may finally call up try machine Richard Carter at Aberavon. However, there is a serious lack of experience in this position and i wouldnt be suprised if the ospreys recruit in the summer.

I reckon they need to just recruit a full-back. Use Fussell and wingers from the Premiership as wing cover.

Morgannwg wrote:I reckon they need to just recruit a full-back. Use Fussell and wingers from the Premiership as wing cover.

There is nothing wrong with Ross Jones from Bridgend, it's a shame they missed out on Martyn Thomas as well.

Missed a chance there, matfield, could've gone with 'Ospreys need new wings'

Ross Jones looks below average just like Luke Morgan. I wouldn't rely on either of them for League games.

Morgannwg wrote:Ross Jones looks below average just like Luke Morgan. I wouldn't rely on either of them for League games.

I would prefer both to Walker

Walker is in the same boat. There is no doubt about it that if they want to be a force next season then they need some quality in the back three.

15. ........
14. Fussell (sigh)
11. Dirksen

Doesn't look like they have good cover with departees Bowe, Williams and Nikki.

looking very light in the back 3 next season.

Can see Ross Jones/ Fussell sharing the FB jersey, would have preferred to have seen Prydie stay mind.

When Ross Jones is at FB I think we'll see Fussell on the wing, otherwise I fear itll be Eli Walker.

Dirksen has the 1 spot sewn up, its a bit worrying how inexpereinced they'll be no matter what arrangement they'll put out without some signings....

Comfort wrote:looking very light in the back 3 next season.

Can see Ross Jones/ Fussell sharing the FB jersey, would have preferred to have seen Prydie stay mind.

When Ross Jones is at FB I think we'll see Fussell on the wing, otherwise I fear itll be Eli Walker.

Dirksen has the 1 spot sewn up, its a bit worrying how inexpereinced they'll be no matter what arrangement they'll put out without some signings....

What about Gareth Owen and Barry Davies?

Im not sure on either of them to be honest.

Gareth Owen has always flattered to deceive, he tries too hard and barely seems a team player when ive watched him. Hes failed to break into the ospreys squad for the last 4 seasons.

Barry Davies is inconsistent, at times hes looked very solid, and pretty sharp attacking the line, but again, injuries and failing to hold down a team spot for a season or 2 now will have its affect.

They're both their for cover, but I wouldnt feel comfortable with either starting atm.

Morgannwg wrote:Ross Jones looks below average just like Luke Morgan. I wouldn't rely on either of them for League games.

Really ? I have watched Ross Jones a couple of times now, both for Bridgend and the Ospreys, he has not looked out of place when stepping up to regional level and always stands out at club level, I honestly think that if he is given a run in the Ospreys side he could become a quality player.

LordDowlais wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:Ross Jones looks below average just like Luke Morgan. I wouldn't rely on either of them for League games.

Really ? I have watched Ross Jones a couple of times now, both for Bridgend and the Ospreys, he has not looked out of place when stepping up to regional level and always stands out at club level, I honestly think that if he is given a run in the Ospreys side he could become a quality player.

Yep, id agree - been impressed when I have seen him at the O's

From what ive seen of Ross Jones he looks like a decent enough full back, he has got caught out a bit with his positional play but id say thats down to him not being used to the quality and accuracy of the kickers in the pro 12 but thats nothing a few games wont straighten out.

I haven't been overly impressed with him for the Ospreys. I don't watch any Bridgend games. I'm sure he will be a decent enough player if he carries on improving but right now saying he is good enough cover is too extreme when he is still very rookie. It will be interesting to see how he plays in the early League/LV games and whether he can progress into the Heineken Cup squad. I think Gareth Owen is a quality player but was always at the wrong region. He'll struggle to come back after his injury but who knows, the Bridgend product under Bridgend Tandy might flourish.

If Gareth Owen does make it back from his injury what do you think his best position is 10,12 or 15?

12. Could probably provide decent enough 10 cover to Biggar and Morgan though.

Has anyone here thought about:

1. Wage caps
2. Affordability

Or have the Os been blessed with a bottomless well of cheap top talent?

Hmm. Maybe Morgan, they had to trim the squad to get inside the proposed budget.

God your so stupid Portnoy

The Ospreys' budget could not possibly balance without central funding. A hired stadium, low crowds and desperate giveaway ST pricing policies whereby anyone who knows anyone could get a free walk-in...

ps. It's 'you're so stupid Portnoy' - which is debatable.

Ross Jones, Luke Morgan, Hanno Dirksen, Eli Walker, we have plenty of options.

Tandy was obviously going to go for his Bridgend lads.

Many apologies. It wasn't meant as an attack, but in a lighthearted manner. I do not actually believe Portnoy is stupid.

And if they wanted or believed they needed a full back they would use Cuddy's money to get one. But Tandy will probably use the Premiership lads and the ones already contracted to the Ospreys.

Morg, I just sent you another PM, please read.

I've arrived a bit late to this thread but yeah if we want to challenge in Europe next year we desperately need some new wingers and an experienced fullback.

Fussell, Ross Jones, Eli Walker and Luke Jones are simply not good enough (yet)