British and Irish Lion Alun Wyn Jones insists his Ospreys side will take some momentum into the domestic semi-finals after their victory at Connacht, despite missing the chance to secure a home tie.
The Welsh team led the standings heading into a dramatic final weekend, but they were leapfrogged by Glasgow Warriors and Munster – the side they will tackle in next Saturday’s final-four clash – after failing to secure a try bonus point at the Sportsground.
Rhys Webb, Ben John and Dan Biggar all crossed in the first 40 minutes, but the hosts came back into the game after the break to ensure a tight finish at 24-20.
And Jones, who featured in all three Tests as the Lions recorded a famous series win in Australia two years ago, insists the result was a positive one – even if there is some disappointment at not hosting the upcoming semi-final.
“We are pleased with the win. Obviously the wind probably proved a deciding factor and we were a bit lacklustre with possession and probably tried to play a bit too much at times,” the Wales second row said.
“We are still in a semi-final, we know we have got a tough run-in but we’ll take the positives forward from the win.
“There is some disappointment not to get that bonus point try, but we are pleased with the win all the same.
“We would have liked the home semi on the Friday, but we’ve got an extra day to recover now, so there are pros and cons.
“It’s not as we would have liked, but we are in the semis all the same.”
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