Holley praises Biggar, Collins and crowd

The 2007 Magners League Champions secured a 19-14 victory over current title holders Munster at the Liberty Stadium to climb within a point of the play-off places.

The Ospreys are now just two points behind joint leaders Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh as we approach the halfway stage of the Magners League.

And Holley, who was understandably delighted to secure a fourth success of the campaign, was quick to praise fly-half Dan Biggar, stand-in skipper Jerry Collins and the Liberty Stadium faithful for their roles in what could prove to be a crucial win over one of the tournament favourites.

"I thought Dan Biggar showed his maturity, particularly in the second half," said Holley.

"He put us in the corners and gave Munster a bit of their own medicine really, I think there was a touch of the Ronan O'Gara's about his performance!

"His goal-kicking is pretty good at the moment as well. He had a chance to go for goal at the end, but the players on the pitch made that decision, and Dan was instrumental in that. There was a minute-and-a-half to go and if he'd missed the long-range attempt it gives them the ball back with time to play and the referee told him that if he went for the line, it would be last play.

"Do you take the win, or do you try and stop Munster taking a bonus point and take a risk? I know what I'm happy with. It shows the level of maturity and understanding there.

"We made Jerry Collins captain at Bath, when we had a group of kids playing with him and he did a real good job that week. He doesn't scream and shout, he gets on with and does his talking on the field.

"We made him captain this week as soon as we knew Ryan Jones was unavailable. He's been in this environment through the autumn, and he led from the front again.

"He gives an edge in attack and defence. We saw him pick and go through the middle a bit and people respond to him. He's a quiet operator but a likeable one."

As for the crowd and the performance of his team as a whole, Holley was more than happy with both.

"I've got to give a mention to the crowd - they were fantastic," added Holley.

"I really thought that they got behind the players on a dreadful night. They were awesome.

"They haven't had a lot to cheer about out here this season so far, but we've gone up against a full-on Munster team, beaten them, and they played a part, so thank you very much.

"The boys showed a lot of desire, particularly in the second half. We were up against it a little bit with the penalty count, but I think we were quite worthy winners in the end.

"Clearly, we are missing key players in our squad, but those boys put their hand up and we showed what we are about.

"We've gelled really quickly this week and that's always difficult at this time of the year so all credit to them - I'm proud of them."