There is only pride riding on the Pool five clash at Stadio Comunale di Monigo, but both sides are hoping to end the tournament on a high. The Ospreys’ hopes were ended by Challenge Cup holders Northampton Saints last weekend, when they claimed a 20-9 victory at the Liberty Stadium.
But they will be confident of getting back on the winning trail against Treviso, who are yet to get off the mark in Europe. The pool table does not make for pretty reading for the Italians, who have scored five tries in five matches but conceded a tournament high 33 scores – 11 more than Castres Olympique.
The Ospreys cruised to a 42-7 triumph in round one, and have already claimed a 44-13 league triumph at their Swansea home. But it could be a different story in Italy, and Ospreys forwards coach Gibbes confirmed they will select a strong team.
He said: “Europe has been a chance lost, that’s the way we’re looking at it. We’re disappointed that we’re out at this stage. If we go back to the games against Racing Metro, we had the opportunities to win those games but we didn’t.
“It’s part of a learning experience for a young group and part of our development. If we add a bit more experience it could have been a different situation. We’re proud of what we achieved with a young side but disappointed as well.
“There is still a lot to play for in this game, we want to make sure we finish Europe off on a high.We’re going to Italy to do that and we know it will be a tough game. We’ve been forced to make a few changes but there will be a couple of new faces in the side.”
