Dean Ryan believes that Ospreys are a resurgent and different side under Toby Booth – as he prepares to face a coach that he has plenty of experience against.
Ryan and Booth crossed paths plenty of times in the English Premiership and now find themselves up against each once again when Dragons host Ospreys at Rodney Parade this Saturday evening (kick-off 5.15pm).
Director of Dragons Rugby Ryan admits he has been impressed by the way Booth has stabilised Ospreys this term in the Guinness PRO14 and knows his side will have to be at their best to return to winning ways.
“Ospreys under Toby Booth are a different side to what we have seen before and it will be a big challenge for us,” said Ryan.
“I have known Toby a long time and I go right back to London Irish days, I thought he was really innovative in the way he saw the game.
“I think he’s probably gone in a bit more experienced this time, got some basics right, they got some power up front and they make sure their drives a pretty decent weapon.
“I thought if you look at the challenges the Ospreys faced last year, it was through the lack of (Gareth) Anscombe and the direction from 10.
“Getting (Stephen) Myler was a shrewd move, he moves you around the field.
“Those pieces of business have stabilised what was always a good side, it was just last year was the Ospreys year for multiple injuries in multiple positions.
“They have always had good quality. Toby has just made two or three really shrewd moves that has just stabilised things a bit.”
I have known Toby a long time and I go right back to London Irish days, I thought he was really innovative in the way he saw the game...
