S4C is all set to provide exclusive terrestrial highlights of the Heineken Cup quarter-finals this weekend - and a member of the Channel's Clwb Heineken and Cwpan Heineken coverage team believes it's a key weekend for the future of Welsh rugby.
Former Wales captain and S4C pundit Gwyn Jones says that a win for the Ospreys against Saracens this weekend in the Heineken quarter-finals is vital to the resurgence of Welsh rugby under Warren Gatland.
Gwyn Jones says, "The 2005 Grand Slam success was an isolated event and not reflected in the performance and success of the regions in the Heineken Cup. This time, the regions are stronger and they should be able to build on Welsh success. The roots have to be strong to ensure the continued success of the national side. That means success in the Heineken Cup and seeing one of our regions lift the trophy in the next few years."
Gwyn Jones believes that the Ospreys now have the momentum to win this match and could go on to reach the final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in May. But he also warns that defeat could have serious repercussions for the Ospreys' current coach.
"If they fail to win, questions will be asked if Lyn Jones is the right man to take the team to European success. They are now expected to win - expectations have grown hugely for the Ospreys since Wales' Grand Slam. People are saying if Wales can do it, so can the Ospreys. Of course, he has another opportunity to win silverware with the EDF Final, but the Heineken is the one that really counts"
Gwyn, who commentate alongside Wyn Gruffydd on Sunday's big clash at Vicarage Road, Watford, adds, "However, I'm confident that they will win, even though they're playing away. They have the psychological advantage over the Saracens after beating them so comprehensively in the EDF semi-final and, as the semi-finals and final will be played in Cardiff, they have every chance of winning the trophy."
However, Gwyn fears that the trip to Toulouse in the other quarter-final may be a game too far for the Cardiff Blues this season.
Gwyn says, "I think they played their final against Bristol in the group stage. They were so glad they were winning; they didn't show the drive to get the extra score needed to secure a home tie. They may live to regret this as getting a result in Toulouse is a big ask. The only way you can beat Toulouse out there is to play an expansive game as Scarlets did last year and Leinster two years ago. But I'm not convinced that the Blues have the backs to beat Toulouse at this game. Hopefully, they will surprise me. "
© 2008 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales