Phillips stormed through 14 minutes from time to finally kill off this Magners League tie at the Liberty Stadium and send a clear message to the Wales boss.
Nikki Walker and Marty Holah got the champions on their way in the first half before promising young fly half Gareth Owen, a late replacement, grabbed the bonus point fourth try in a convincing victory that lifts the Ospreys clear of the table basement.
The Ospreys’ march into the knock-out stages of both the Heineken Cup and EDF Energy Cup has been to the detriment of defending their Celtic crown, but they sent out an ominous warning that they will not give up their title without a fight.
Even without a staggering 13 Wales internationals, All Black great Justin Marshall started at fullback following Gatland’s request for Phillips to have more game time. Shaun Connor’s early penalties masked the rust in the Ospreys performance after a month of kicking their heels during the RBSÂ Six Nations as Paul James was denied on the try line.
And it took two moments of individual inspiration in the space of six minutes to crack their opponents’ shell.
Giant Scotland wing Walker powered through the heart of the Connacht defence, bursting out of the clutches of two would-be tacklers before storming 30 yards for the opening try on 34 minutes.
Skipper Filo Tiatia followed moments later. The Kiwi drove from the back a scrum, dragging tacklers with him before handing Holah an easy finish under the posts.
The Ospreys were dominant in every department and the constant pressure saw Connacht pair Adrian Farley and Conor O’Loughlin into the sin bins for fouls.
Phillips made the most of his opposite number’s yellow card and stormed over on 66 minutes with a typical Ospreys try, direct from a lineout.
Rising talent Owen converted just seconds after replacing Connor before gliding through for the bonus point score in style eight minutes from time, before O’Connor’s late consolation score.
