Bennett keeps his ego in check

Grounded Osprey: Bennett is keeping his ego in check

Winning a Grand Slam does not ensure you the right to start for your region, as Ospreys hooker Huw Bennett recently discovered.

From starting against France for Wales in their Grand Slam-clinching win to benching for the Ospreys in their EDF semi-final win, Bennett is sure to have his feet back on the ground.

With fellow international Richard Hibbard preferred in the number two jersey at the weekend Bennett was forced to watch from the replacements bench. But Bennett took the decision, based on merit according to coach Lyn Jones, on the chin and got on with business.

"We've got a fabulous squad here and there's no room for egos," Bennett told The Western Mail.

"You can't play in every single game. You've just got to take it from the coach and accept that it's the right decision.

"It's not just a case of one to fifteen now. We have quality players throughout the squad and we are a competitive bunch."

It is this kind of pressure, that is now commonplace at the Ospreys, that enabled the former England U19 hooker to stay ahead of Matthew Rees in the Wales pecking order. And, with a Grand Slam winners medal safely in the bag, Bennett was able to reflect on mixed memories from the campaign.

"There are so many memories," said the 24-year-old.

"The first meeting with the coaches was interesting. They really set out their stall and from then there was a buzz of expectation within the camp.

"Straight away everyone had belief in the guidance we had and where we were going. We knew where we stood.

"Another memory is probably the confirmation of how rugby is highs one week and lows the next.

"I was ill in bed for the Ireland game and then the week after I was playing in a Grand Slam match against France. That's a memory I'll never forget. It makes you realise that it's only a game really and you've got to enjoy it when you can.

"I missed the Triple Crown game, so you can imagine I was pretty bad.

"On the Saturday morning I couldn't keep anything down and I was sweating.

"I felt it just wasn't fair to the team to go out there."

Having seen Rees turn in a fine performance against Ireland Bennett revealed he was not expecting to regain his place in the side.

"I had an anxious wait then to see if I would be back for the final game against France," said Bennett.

"Matthew played really well, so I wasn't really expecting to be picked.

"I was definitely down. So when I was selected it was a nice surprise, it makes you realise you've got to take this game week by week."

The rest is history, with Bennett having shared in a famous win over the French, earning hero status along with the rest of his Grand Slam pals.

"It's quite funny when you've got your hands full in Tescos and someone wants to shake your hand, but you work your way around that," he said.

"As Welsh people, we love rugby and we really love success.

"Having that in the Six Nations does bring an extra excitement to the game in Wales.

"We achieved something massive and it's just a great feeling."

But now the focus has switched to regional matters, with the Ospreys chasing cup glory on two fronts in the Heineken Cup and EDF Cup.

As reigning Magners League champions, they also want to finish that competition strongly, starting with Friday's Liberty Stadium contest against Ulster.

"We've achieved something with Wales and you don't forget about it, because they are fond memories," said the 18-cap Bennett.

"It's not put to bed totally because you don't want to get rid of those memories.

"But we are back with the Ospreys now and it's a really enjoyable set-up to come back into.

"Since the beginning of the season we have been aspiring towards good things with our region and nothing is going to change.

"There's a fabulous team spirit here and we not only enjoy playing with each other, we like success as well.

"The Grand Slam will just help things in motion. You could see it in the players last week against Saracens.

"It's nice when you come to the end of the season that you still have big games to play for. It's exciting.

"Ulster is a big game for us because there are positions to be played for.

"But we have to make sure we don't just go out there as individuals, looking to show what you can do, and ruining the team ethic for the side as a result.

"Ulster are a tough side and we are well aware of the challenge.

"We've got to go play with the style that we did last week against Saracens."