Gough still gunning for trophies on two fronts

Ian Gough is in no mood to rest on his laurels this season – despite helping Wales land the RBS 6 Nations title, Triple Crown and Grand Slam.

Gough could retire a happy man following Wales’ Six Nations exploits, especially after collecting his 50th cap during the thrilling title-clinching victory over France almost three weeks ago.

But the Ospreys lock has his eyes trained on more silverware – domestic and European – during the next two months.

The trophy hunt continues in Watford on Sunday when the Ospreys face Heineken Cup quarter-final opponents Saracens.

Victory at Vicarage Road would secure a Millennium Stadium semi-final against Gloucester or Munster, with the Cardiff venue also hosting this season’s final on May 24.

And there is another significant issue to address – the prospect of avenging last season’s EDF Energy Cup final defeat against Leicester when the teams meet again at Twickenham on Saturday week.

Gough said: “There is so much to play for over the next few weeks.

“I thought the last seven weeks were hectic during the Six Nations, but there will no let-up over the next two months, including, hopefully, more games in the Heineken Cup.”

Gough is part of a star-studded Ospreys squad – they are likely to field a dozen Wales internationals against Saracens, plus former All Blacks Justin Marshall and Marty Holah – building ominously towards possible European glory.

They can also enjoy the added benefit of having met Saracens less than a fortnight ago and smashed them 30-3 at the EDF semi-final stage.

Gough added: “It is interesting playing opponents twice in quick succession.

“You have plenty of material to study and pinpoint a team’s strengths and weaknesses. They will try to pick our game apart, and it’s up to us to counter that.

“Winning such a big game as a semi-final of a cup by close to 30 points is a massive boost to our confidence before the Heineken Cup game, but it also gives Saracens plenty of motivation as well for Sunday.

“They wanted to win that game and reach a cup final just as much as we did, so they will be hurt. They will be looking to really up their game and restore some pride.

“It was almost like a home game for us because so many of the squad had been involved with Wales at the Millennium Stadium the previous week, but this time we will be in their back-yard and that’s always tough in Europe.

“But we have built up a lot of confidence through the Heineken Cup, even before the Six Nations.

“We have managed to build a winning mentality wherever we’ve gone, and we produced some big performances to win away against Ulster and Bourgoin.”

One that got away though, was a trip to Gloucester in November, when the Ospreys lost 26-18 and effectively saw hopes dashed of topping their Heineken Cup qualifying pool.

Gough recalled: “We all know we could – and maybe should – have won at Gloucester.

“The coach journey home that day was pretty miserable. We had gone to a Guinness Premiership ground and we all knew we should have won.

“That proves we can perform, while we always believe we can win, whatever pitch we are playing on.

“We have the same intensity for every game, and now we have real ambitions to do well in this competition.”

Gough will be denied a chance to challenge former All Blacks lock Chris Jack this weekend – Jack is out for the season because of a hand injury – but the Ospreys are also a notable player short after losing Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips to serious knee trouble.

Gough said: “Losing a player of Jack’s standing would hurt any team.

“He is a world-class player with huge experience, but Saracens recruited heavily at the start of the season and they have other top-quality players to step in who won’t let anyone down.

“And it is a great shame for Mike that his knee injury rules him out after the great season he has had with both Wales and the Ospreys.

“However, there is a great feeling among the squad, and we genuinely believe we can do well in every game and tournament that we play – especially the Heineken Cup.”