By Graham Thomas
Luke Morgan aims to jog Warren Gatland‘s memory when he steps out for the festive derbies – starting with the Ospreys’ clash against the Scarlets on Boxing Day.
The wing will be part of an Ospreys line-up aiming to build on their eye-catching victory over French champions Montpellier last week, where they host their biggest rivals in a match that is live on S4C.
Morgan was a tryscorer against the Sharks earlier this month in his region’s previous URC game and will be out to repeat his part in a hugely impressive collective show of strength out in France last week.
That might be enough to remind Gatland – the coach that gave Morgan his solitary cap four years ago – that the former Sevens specialist is still hungry for Test rugby.
“Warren Gatland gave me my cap and it would be great to be get back into that Wales squad. But I know I have to be playing well for the Ospreys for that to happen, so that’s my focus,” says the 30-year-old.
“What will be, will be. But it will be interesting to see what calls Warren makes now with his squad for the Six Nations.
“I still have ambitions for more caps. It would be a dream to get back into that Welsh squad, but the Ospreys is my shop window and I have to perform. It would be great if it happened.”
Morgan’s one Wales cap came in 2018, the year Wales’ record Sevens scorer played against Scotland in the autumn only seven regional matches into his 15-a-side career, having switched from being a short-form specialist.
That was also the year he scored a try for the Ospreys against the Scarlets over the festive period in a 19-12 victory.
The two West Wales foes drew 23-all at the start of this season, but Morgan believes his team’s stunning 21-10 victory at the home of Montpellier last week in the Heineken Champions Cup, could prove a turning point in their season.
“It was a huge boost for us,” he says. “It came at a very good time and has given us a lot of confidence.
“Montpellier are a really big, powerful side, but our forwards and the backs fronted up really well.
“We know the Scarlets have some big lumps up front as well, so we have to match them again and try and get our backs into the game to cause them problems.
“But the Montpellier result felt like it could be a turning point because confidence is such a massive thing.
“I picked up a yellow card, but I thought generally it was very controlled display by us. We had done our homework well and we knew what they were going to bring.
Here’s your Ospreys team to face @scarlets_rugby in the #WestWalesDerby on Boxing Day!
This week, we called on a few Ospreys legends to help us out with our announcement – thank you all
#OurJourneyTogether | #BKTURC | @URCOfficial pic.twitter.com/DaLM9xk75k
— Ospreys (@ospreys) December 23, 2022
“We are now looking to play a bit more and get our danger men into the game a bit more often.”
There was a time, not so long ago, when this derby would effect proceedings at the top end of the table, but a glance at the current URC standings tells its own story.
The Scarlets are one place off the foot of the table, with the Ospreys just above them. Both teams have won only once in the league in nine games.
Morgan adds: “The Scarlets are like us. They want to play rugby and chuck the ball around, but they have had a difficult season so far, like we have.
“As with us, some of their performances have been good, even if the results don’t back that up. This is a local derby, though, and anything can happen.
“Despite where we are in the table, it’s tight. I think we are not a million miles away from getting to that top eight in the URC, and making the play-offs, if we have a solid second half to the season.”
Here’s your match-day 23 to take on @ospreys on Boxing Day
Foxy back as skipper
5️⃣0️⃣ up for SamDyma’r tîm i chwarae’r Gweilch ar Ddydd San Steffan
Team news https://t.co/1u7zxkdIXT#OSPvSCA #BKTURC #YmaOHyd pic.twitter.com/TJpilaVZxY
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) December 23, 2022
Morgan will start on the left wing for the Ospreys on Monday, in direct confrontation with the Scarlets’ Steff Evans, in an unchanged back line from the Montpellier game, although head coach Toby Booth has made four changes in his pack.
What won’t alter is Morgan’s Christmas routine as he prepares for his fifth Boxing Day derby.
“Christmas Day will be with the family, including nephews and nieces, which is always nice.
“I’ll have the Christmas dinner, maybe stay off the pudding, and get a fairly early night, ready for the game.
“On the Boxing Day, my prep is like a normal match day. These are always great fixtures for all the players, with probably the biggest crowds we will get all year.
“We can’t wait.”
S4C- Boxing Day, 5.00pm: Ospreys v Scarlets
Live coverage of the BKT United Rugby Championship match between the Ospreys and Scarlets from the Swansea.com Stadium. English commentary available. K/O 5.15pm.