Tough schedule excites Ospreys

The highest-placed Welsh region face the toughest test of their title credentials with trips to Leinster and Munster in April as well as the rearranged tie at Ulster next month.

But rather than be daunted by the schedule, Ospreys assistant coach Humphreys cannot wait to get stuck in.

"It's the most difficult schedule in the region's history but it's something we will build up for," said Humphreys ahead of Saturday's clash with the Dragons at Rodney Parade.

"It's the business end of the season and a congested period anyway. The rearranged game does leave us with a tough fixture list with the three Irish provinces to play away.

"But we feel if we play our best rugby then we'll do well. Historically, we haven't done that in Ireland so it's a big ask for us. But we're focused on doing well in those games."

The Ospreys are currently outside the Play-Off Zone, five points off leaders Leinster but just a point behind Edinburgh, Glasgow and Munster with a game in hand.

And Humphreys admits that the remaining six games will be a nerve-wracking time as the Ospreys look to repeat their title success of 2007.

"It's far from guaranteed that we will make the top four. We are sitting fifth at the moment with a game in hand.

"If we can achieve a good result against the Dragons, we'll go up to second but it's tight in the top five positions."