That was one depressing performance. The difference to many previous visits to Swansea was that our scrum dominance, Osprey's recent form and our strong team (on paper - injury crisis has abated) meant they were there for the taking. But MOC set us up with such a limited game plan that we hardly fired a shot:
-starting attacks with one-up runners followed by static phases
-or with 10 standing deep behind game line, then going lateral or kicking long
-or going for the 50:50 option of box kicks/cross kicks every time we were in our own half.
At half time the Osps could hardly believe that they were only 3 points down - we were on top but had hardly tried to get into their 22 with ball in hand [Reminder: we are the two-time defending champions]
There were some good moments among the morrass - we even carried & off loaded well going for a try when at 9-6 - only to butcher the position. It took us falling behind to up our game to anything like what's expected.
It's an away game in a freezing and 3/4 empty stadium (and a children's choir providing the wierdest soundtrack to a rugby game in history) so no one expects champagne rugby. But at least give us a decent Merlot and have a go on the gain-line with some pace and threat. Don't keep giving the ball back to the opposition with stupid mistakes and penalties.
Playing this way, in a league, let's be honest, that's not filled with too many world beating teams, we have thrown away at least 11 points: Connacht (A) 3, Treviso (A) 2/3, Dragons (H) 3 and now Ospreys (A) 2. If we had converted even 2 of those 4 games we'd be looking at a home play-off. As it stands, the likelihood of either Glas/Muns/Uls away means elimination likely. Add in Toulon (at best) and season 2014/15 looks like a write off because of our limited and error-strewn performances.
Actually, on second thoughts, the kids choir - along with the sweet sound of the final whistle - was the best part of the evening.