By Simon Thomas
Jac Morgan believes the turbulence caused by a change of coach has revealed a strength of character within the Ospreys squad.
Morgan produced a real captain’s display as the Ospreys ended a difficult week with a dramatic late win over their arch rivals, the Scarlets.
Last week had begun with the shock departure of head coach Toby Booth, which saw Mark Jones move from defensive duties into the hot seat earlier than had been anticipated.
It concluded with a 23-22 west Wales derby victory in Swansea, thanks to a last play try from super sub Iestyn Hopkins.
Iestyn Hopkins wins it for the Ospreys
FT: Ospreys 23-22 Scarlets
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The attacking position had been created by flanker Morgan winning his fourth turnover penalty, while he also put in 17 carries and made the most tackles (12) for his team.
The Wales back row star says: “It’s been a difficult week. It was a shock at the start of the week.
“But full credit to Mark and the coaches and the boys, we just stuck to what we do as a team.
“We wanted to come out and put on a performance and I thought that’s something we did.”
The Ospreys trailed 19-8 at the break, with the Scarlets having delivered a training ground score through impressive wing Ellis Mee.
But the hosts cut the deficit through a Justin Tipuric try and then hammered away in the last quarter, with their efforts finally rewarded when replacement full-back Hopkins went over amid scenes of jubilation and despair from the respective sets of players.
“Full credit to the boys, they didn’t stop until the end,” said skipper Morgan.
“There was real character from them to stick in there, to keep on going and just keep on fighting until the end and it was great that we were able to get that try in the 80th minute. We were chuffed to get over.”
Leader.
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Speaking about his inspirational leader, new head coach Jones said: “The team is representative of its captain and its captain is Jac Morgan, so the team plays like Jac Morgan in terms of the effort, the commitment, the physicality, the quality.”
Reflecting on the last-gasp victory, former Wales wing Jones continued: “All credit to the staff and the players, they have been phenomenal this week and they deserved it.
“The most pleasing aspect is we got our process and our execution right at the right time, the last play of the game.
“We had plenty of other chances and didn’t nail them, but the one that really counted, we took.
“To have the composure to do that, with the youth that was on the field, I was just really pleased for the boys.
“Seconds count don’t they and it was almost a different guy stood here talking about the game, so I feel grateful that the boys nailed it and it allows me this privilege to give them a pat on the back.
“I am proud of the boys and the staff. It’s awesome. We are going to go away and enjoy this.”
Morgan Morris, who made 21 carries from No 8, added: “Everyone gave their all. We didn’t want to lose that one.
“We talk a lot about making our home a fortress. We want to protect it every time we play here. We never want to lose at home.”
For the Scarlets, it was yet another case this season of victory slipping from their grasp late on.
Head coach Dwayne Peel said: “We are bitterly disappointed.
“I felt at half-time we deserved our commanding lead. Slowly but surely, we let momentum slip in that second half through some inaccuracy and lack of discipline, with two yellow cards not helping. It was a game we probably let slip rather than them winning it.”
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