Dean Ryan expressed frustration as three of his side were sin-binned during their Heineken Cup defeat by Ospreys on Saturday night.
Gloucester face must-win match to finish top of group
Gloucester coach Dean Ryan expressed his frustration at the ill discipline that saw three of his side sin-binned during their 32-15 Heineken Cup defeat by Ospreys on Saturday night.
The Guiness Premiership leaders were reduced to 13 men at one point, as Luke Narraway and Olivier Azam were both sent off within minutes of each other.
Ospreys capitalized on a lacklusture performance by the visitors, with a masterly performance by scrum-half Justin Marshall and 22 points from the boot of James Hook.
"It was obviously frustrating," said Ryan. "We started poorly, we allowed them to build an early lead and we were far too late getting into the physicality of the contest.
"I am frustrated we ended up playing with 13 men. If one of the yellow cards was for swearing, then it is something that needs application across the game.
"The word Narraway used was not personal, as far as I know, and I have not read a law about swearing. I just need some clarity.
"We have got to win next weekend, and if we do, then we will go through to the quarter-finals as pool winners.
"We have got to get a bit angry during the week, become a bit more focused and use this result as motivation."
Satisfying
Ospreys coach Lyn Jones paid tribute to his side, singling out his scrum-half for special praise.
"Justin Marshall was man of the match by a country mile," he said.
"I was on my feet applauding too - it was one of the best individual performances we've ever seen at the Liberty Stadium.
"That was as satisfying as any other game we have played in the Heineken Cup.
"I thought we were the better side for 70 minutes, and we have now played ourselves into a position of having to go to France next weekend and win a game of rugby."
The Ospreys could end up going to Gloucester in the quarter-finals, especially if the West Country club finish as top seeds.
Jones added: "Gloucester are a tough, quality outfit, and if we were to play them in the quarter-finals then it would be a hell of a game.
"We have been a team full of potential for a long time. Tonight, I thought we adjusted our game very well."
