Head Coach Filo Tiatia felt his team left points on the field as they slipped to a narrow 38-31 defeat to Ospreys in a pulsating Welsh derby in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade.
The lead changed hands numerous times in a Round 3 thriller as scores from Elliot Dee (2), Anzelo Tuitavuki and a penalty try saw the Men of Gwent secure a try bonus point.
But it was left to a late penalty from the returning Angus O’Brien to secure a losing bonus point from a titanic tussle under the lights.
“We went hammer and tong at each other – it was a physical game,” said Tiatia.
“It was a tight and a of bit stop-start affair, and I thought Ospreys took all the opportunities that they created and we also gifted some.
“The penalty count was 12:11 at the end and that’s too many. Once they get in your 22, they are clinical with a heavy pack.
“The possession and territory were quite an even split, in our favour, and when we do have that, we need to make sure we use it.
“We left a lot of points on the field, particular first half, and when we reflect, we need to be honest.
“When we have momentum, we need to be clear, we can’t release pressure and give it back to them.
“They thoroughly deserved their win and took the points. We have just got to be better at taking our opportunities and converting.”
O’Brien ensured it was two points with his last minute penalty and Tiatia reflected on that haul and the chance to face the same opposition again in a matter of weeks.
“You always want to take points. When you are at home you want to get maximum points and come away with wins,” he stated.
“Derby games are special games, and we go down to St Helen’s in a couple of weeks, a ground I know well, so we are looking forward to learning from this.“
We left a lot of points on the field, particular first half, and when we reflect, we need to be honest...
