OSPREYS assistant coach Sean Holley believes the region's impressive form in the Heineken Cup can provide a boost for Wales' RBS 6 Nations campaign.

The Ospreys recorded a nervy 28-21 win at Bourgoin to take the eighth and final place in the quarter-finals - the first time they have reached that stage - and Holley said it was good news for all Welsh fans.

"We're hoping this achievement gives the Wales squad a boost ahead of the Six Nations campaign,'' said Holley.

"We've got 14 players in the Wales squad, so hopefully they'll come out of the tournament in good form ahead of the two games against Saracens.''

The Ospreys take on Saracens in the Heineken Cup quarter-final in early April - 10 days after meeting the same side in the last four of the EDF Energy Cup. Holley said his players were looking forward to the double-header.

"We all know how well Sarries are going and how many quality players they have got, but we don't fear anyone in Europe and were all looking forward to making some history in both competitions.

"Making the quarter-finals has been a holy grail for us. It's a hell of an achievement in the short space of time since we became a region, and we're rapt to have created a bit of history.

"We don't care who we play from here on in - we know we can compete against anyone.'' Holley and coach Lyn Jones opted to use former All Black back-rower Filo Tiatia as a midfield battering ram.

At scrum time, Tiatia joined the backline and centre Sonny Parker packed down on the side of the scrum. The ploy worked perfectly as Tiatia made the hard yards and Shane Williams and Lee Byrne reaped the benefit with first-half tries.

Holley admitted: "As coaches, we have to mix it up a bit every now and then. Putting Sonny at number six 6 and Filo in the back line gives the opposition defence something to think about.

"We could only do it with a rock-solid scrum, and it worked well today.''