Methinks the Ospreys protest too much

Michael Moynihan

IT wasn’t what he said, it was the delivery.
Ospreys forwards coach Jonathan Humphries, with the sorrowful face of a vicar disappointed by his flock’s generosity at the annual cake sale, was expressing his admiration Sunday for Munster’s Paul O’Connell, who had been sent off half an hour before.
Not a dirty player at all, said Humphries, furrowing his brow as he ventured the hope that O’Connell would not suffer the same fate as Gavin Henson, when the one-time Osprey got a lengthy suspension for something similar.
The assorted hacks almost applauded the sheer class of his stiletto work, but we should have known. Humphries had barely sat down for the post-game press conference when he’d begun to air his exasperation at Munster props’ inability to scrummage square.
Before you’d even formed the words ‘pre-emptive strike’ in your mind he stated his amazement that one of his props had been sent to the bin in the game, given Munster’s tendency to etc., etc.
Indeed, the fact that one of the most common questions at the post-game press interviews centred not on the game, but on Sky Sports’ rugby show focusing on Munster’s activities off the ball, meant there was a slightly unusual cast to the after-match formalities.
We’re used to coaches conducting propaganda wars in the media when it comes to big games, but Humphries’ tour de force yesterday only reinforced the importance of getting on the front foot before the referee even blows his whistle. Ospreys take a bonus point back to Wales ahead of Munster’s visit for the return game next weekend, and there’s no doubt that Humphries’ comments were meant for a wider audience than those of us chewing our biros in the bowels of Thomond Park.
That’s what makes it so fascinating, of course – the fact that it’s half-time in the tie. In a parallel world somewhere people enjoy lengthy managerial interviews at the interval in big games of all codes, which is precisely what you’re dealing with when someone like Humphries puts the authorities on notice with his concerns about the opposing team.
His opposite number, Tony McGahan, was more measured, and looked more concerned by Sky Sports’ decision to focus on Munster’s approach to the breakdown on Thursday night, just a few days before a potentially season-shaping fixture.
It was an acknowledgement that managing the disciplinary agenda in the public eye is a necessary part of a coach’s job nowadays, and a fraught one – that agenda can filter through to even experienced referees. Or, if Humphries’ comments about O’Connell take flight, maybe even as high as the disciplinary authorities.
Munster second row Mick O’Driscoll described both Humphries’ and Sky Sports’ views as simply other people’s opinions.
He’s right in his approach, of course. But so is McGahan.

 

Crime New Orleans Andy Flower Ireland bailout Environmental sustainability Nick Barmby