Ospreys need ‘massive effort’ for BP

Yet they will be aware of the dangers of chasing the extra point before completing the basic business of winning the match.

The Pool has got a multitude of permutations but the Ospreys’ speed merchant Shane Williams believes the Welsh region can still join neighbours Llanelli Scarlets in the quarter-finals.

“It’s such a tight group, one of the toughest groups in the Heineken Cup, and because Stade Français kicked a penalty at the end of our last game we are a little bit behind and need a bonus point.

“Not many teams go to Sale and do that – it is very difficult just to go there and win – so we need a massive effort to go there, play well, win and get a bonus point but we have proved this season we are capable of doing that.

“If we can continue the momentum of the second half against Stade Français then we are capable of it but we cannot start the game looking for that, we cannot think about the bonus point.

“Heineken Cup rugby is difficult whoever you play and Sale are one of the best sides in England. They are lacking players with a lot of injuries at the moment but it is a massive game and they are at home so it will not be easy.

“The fact that we are still in contention going into the last game shows the Ospreys are getting better with more experience season by season. Whereas in the past we have struggled in this tournament, now there is a bit more about us.

“Obviously we’re a good side with strength in depth but there is a bit of experience coming through as well. We’re going down ten to thirteen points and we’re not giving up, while maybe in the past that has happened. The belief is certainly there and we showed that in the way we came back in the second half against Stade.”