The Liberty Stadium side welcome English champions Northampton Saints to the Liberty Stadium in round five of the tournament. Jim Mallinder’s men, equipped with Wales weapon George North, head down the M4 motorway on top of Champions Cup Pool five after three consecutive European wins.
The Ospreys are third on eight points, seven behind last season’s Champions Cup winners, and would realistically need two bonus point wins and a few favours to advance. But Rees says his side still believe.
“We have to believe. We’re a proud group and in every competition we take part in we go to the last. There’s no hiding that we’re up against it, but this is the ultimate competition. So we will go there on Sunday and give it our utmost.”
“The Dragons game last weekend was a big one for us as we absolutely needed that four points to nestle in around that top four in the Pro12. We are 13 games in and top of the league, having won more games than any other side. Everyone’s played everyone and there have been a couple of double-ups. We’re credible challengers and we really want to have a good go at the league.
“We’ll see what happens in Europe.
George North proved the difference when the sides last met at Franklin’s Gardens in October when the Wales wing scored four tries against his fellow countrymen. Ospreys may only have a mathematical chance of progressing but are desperate to maintain their unbeaten run at the Liberty Stadium this season.
“If a miracle happens, we’d seize it and give it our all. But, realistically, this year we’ve said the league could be something we can aspire for. Europe might be a year or two years down the line if we can build more depth.”
