Ospreys Showcase Impressive Domestic Form, but Gatland Focuses on Well-Rounded Development

Ospreys have been a standout force in the domestic rugby union landscape this season, securing 14 victories in 24 matches – more than the combined total of their regional counterparts Cardiff, Scarlets, and Dragons. Despite the team’s impressive run, Wales coach Warren Gatland has opted to overlook several in-form Ospreys players, including Morgan Morris, Nicky Smith, James Ratti, Reuben Morgan-Williams, and Keiran Williams, in favor of maintaining continuity in the national squad.

Gatland acknowledged the Ospreys’ success but highlighted the team’s recent heavy defeats against the Bulls and Leinster as areas of concern. The Wales coach emphasized that his selections are not solely based on club performances, but also consider player development and how individuals fare against top-caliber opposition.

“When we look at performances, we look at players and what we can do in terms of developing them,” said Gatland. “We don’t always look at club performances… and sometimes we look at club performances against big teams when they’re fully loaded.”

Prop Nicky Smith, who was named player-of-the-match against Cardiff with a two-try display, has been left out of the national squad despite his impressive domestic form. Gatland explained that the decision is part of a strategy focused on continuity, as he aims to keep established players in the squad and continue their development.

Similarly, uncapped number eight Morgan Morris, one of the most consistent performers in the regional game, has not been selected, with Gatland citing the need for improvements in Morris’ defensive work.

“It’s not just the attack stuff, it’s both sides of the ball we look at,” said Gatland. “When we go through the videos with players, it’s not just the stuff we look at around the ball, we look at things off the ball.”

Gatland’s approach appears to prioritize a well-rounded player development strategy, focusing on both attacking and defensive contributions, as well as how individuals perform against top-tier opposition. While the Ospreys’ domestic success has been noteworthy, the Wales coach is determined to maintain a balanced and strategic approach to building the national squad.

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