Gavin Henson faces an anxious wait before discovering the extent of an ankle injury that threatens his British Lions hopes.
Knock threatens to undermine Welshman's Lions hopes
Gavin Henson faces an anxious wait before discovering the extent of an ankle injury that threatens his British Lions hopes.
The Wales star sustained an ankle injury during Ospreys' 17-0 EDF Energy Cup semi-final defeat against Gloucester on Saturday and limped off at half-time.
Henson has endured an injury-plagued season - starting only two of Wales' nine matches - and will now be nervously awaiting the results of tests on his right ankle.
Lions supremo Ian McGeechan announces his squad for the tour of South Africa in just over three weeks and Henson's latest injury scare could hardly have come at a worse time.
"It looks like an injury to his right ankle," stated Ospreys head coach Sean Holley. "The ankle is non weight-bearing at the moment, and he is having it iced."
Henson was not the only casualty at the Ricoh Arena as international team-mate Ian Gough and England centre Mike Tindall were also forced from the pitch.
The injuries did not disguise what was a fine display from Gloucester who booked their place in next month's final at Twickenham courtesy of 12 points from the boot of Ryan Lamb and a late interception try from Iain Balshaw.
Ryan delight
Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan commented: "It was an outstanding defensive display. Our willingness to work in defence really came through.
"People put themselves on the line. We had to front up physically, and if that performance answers some of the criticisms of us, then great.
"The quality of our defence stopped the Ospreys.
"Shane Williams was a constant thorn, and players as gifted as that are going to cause you problems, but when he broke the line we recovered very well."
Holley remains positive
Holley conceded his side had lacked an edge but insisted there were positives to take from the performance.
"We played a lot of positive rugby, but we lacked a clinical edge," he added. "It is about how you react under pressure, and Gloucester put us under a lot of pressure, both defensively and at the breakdown.
"We wanted to play some positive rugby and exhibit some positivity, but sometimes the team that plays the more positive rugby doesn't win.
"But we are still in two competitions, and we fancy our chances in every competition we play in.
"We didn't make it today, but we will roll up our sleeves.
"We couldn't have a better game than the Munster game to get up for and put this result right.
"It is a huge test of character for the players - there are clearly areas to work on."
