Gibbes: Ospreys winning run won't last forever

With seven wins in as many league games so far this season, the Welsh region sit top of the pile in the GUINNESS PRO12 at this early stage.

They have already recorded victories over two Irish sides, winning 19-14 at Munster's Thomond Park before seeing off Connacht 26-11 last time out in the competition.

Next up is Ulster - and a visit to the imposing Kingspan Stadium on Friday evening - who, alongside Glasgow Warriors, are nipping at Ospreys' heels.

But Gibbes insists the league leaders are staying grounded - and when they are eventually toppled, won't be pressing the panic button.

"You are not going to go through this competition and win every game," he told the South Wales Evening Post. "We are a young, developing group and this is another opportunity and another test.

"We certainly don't get carried away with where we are in the table. We know we have to put a performance together and that is what we are about.

"If teams want to fire up because we are at the top of the table, then good luck to them, but that's not what we are focusing on."

And he knows Neil Doak's Northern Irish charges will provide one of Ospreys' stiffest tests to date this season.

"They are definitely one of the top sides in this competition," added Gibbes.

"Whether or not they go through to the title, I don't know, but they are definitely a form team and a hell of an opponent. It's a good opportunity for us.

"We will have to be accurate and take our chances. It sounds like a rugby cliché, but that's genuinely what it comes down to.

"There'll be only a few opportunities and you have to be switched on the whole time to make sure you take them. We have a plan and we have to make sure we are precise in terms of what we do."

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