BLOWS BEGINNING TO TAKE TOLL.

(From South Wales Evening Post)

ROBERT LLOYD REPORTS VERDICT IT is still early days, but this is a defeat that could prove hugely damaging to the Ospreys' league ambitions. Any side will suffer without 15 internationals, but this is now a fact of rugby life for the region and the fringe players need to rise to the challenge quickly.

Ospreys 16 Dragons 21 FORWARDS coach Jonathan Humphreys pulled no punches as the inquests began into this latest demoralising setback for the Magners League champions.

"Defeats in this period will hugely dent our ambitions of retaining this title," admitted the former Wales skipper.

"This is where we all have to earn our money. It is time for people to stand up."

Unfortunately, few did on a miserable Saturday evening at the Liberty Stadium.

Afterwards, the Ospreys were keen not to hide behind the 'absent friends' excuse for this first home loss in nearly 12 months.

Yes, they were without 15 …