Justin Tipuric signed off for the Ospreys before heading Down Under to play for Wales Sevens at the Commonwealth Games with a performance that his interim head coach described as “world class”.
The Wales and British & Irish Lions back row man was instrumental in the Ospreys beating Leinster for the first time since April, 2014, as he made one try, scored the bonus-point try and carried off the man of the match award in the 32-18 triumph.
“I thought Justin was world class. You can see why the sevens have been after him because his touches on the ball, blind passes and energy around the field were simply world class,” said Ospreys interim head coach Allen Clarke.
“He is going to miss two games for us, but he will come back to us for the final few games buzzing. You have to do what’s right by the player. It is right for Tips that he goes and he goes with our blessing.
“We want to create a challenging environment, but one that supports people as well. It is a better picture for us after this win – we have Connacht next and we have our destiny in our own hands, which is a good place to be.”
Three first-half tries gave the Ospreys a 19-3 lead, but then they conceded a try to Barry Daly with the last play of the first half. But nine minutes into the second half Tipuric was in the right place at the right time once again to take a scoring pass from Keiron Fonotia to bag the bonus-point.
It was the first time the Ospreys had beaten Leinster since April, 2014, and puts them ahead of Connacht in the table and on course for a place in the play-off match for the final Champions Cup ticket for next season.
“Getting five points was fantastic for us, but I would have taken a one point win. We have trained really well over the last couple of weeks and the internationals have come back in and complimented that,” added Clarke.
“Even though we conceded a couple of soft tries I thought we put in a pretty complete performance with and without the ball. The quality of our rugby and our physicality was very pleasing.
“The internationals will get a week off now. Some are jetting off to the sun, while others are looking after their families.
“We need to keep improving and moving forward, but I’m particularly pleased the players are starting to show what we are all about. The minimum standard is reaching the play-off game for the Champions Cup.”
