Ospreys head coach Mark Jones says he doesn’t remorse his choice after his facet misplaced 31-26 to Montpellier within the Problem Cup in Bridgend on Saturday.
The defeat meant Ospreys will now face an away journey within the final 16 when a victory in opposition to the French facet would have resulted in a house match.
Jones made 13 modifications from the facet that misplaced to Zebre and didn’t embrace Wales internationals Dewi Lake, Dan Edwards, James Ratti, Kieran Williams, Keelan Giles and Harri Deaves, Australian lock Ryan Smith or prop Tom Botha within the squad.
“I believe there will be folks trying on the choice asking why have not you picked your so-called extra established gamers for the sport,” stated Jones.
“The very fact is we have performed these gamers over Christmas by a tricky interval, brief turnarounds, a whole lot of them have been banged up or been ailing.
“We’ve got obtained a brief turnaround coming. I believe we have had seven within the final eight so the remainder and restoration is the results of the brutality of those video games.
“In the event you play the identical gamers on a regular basis, they are going to find yourself being blown out earlier than the tip of the season.
“It was necessary we freshened up the group, not simply to have an lively efficiency, but additionally develop some depth within the group.
“We have to discover out about a few of these younger gamers and what they will and might’t do. A part of my job is to develop the depth of the workforce.
“I attempted my finest to get the stability proper round making an attempt to win the sport. We virtually gained the sport. I do not remorse the choice.
“It was performed with good thought and course of behind it and I’m simply upset that we did not nail the end result.”
Ospreys regarded set to assert a house tie after choosing up 10 factors from their December fixtures, however should now go on their travels.
