THE Ospreys hope their championship-winning experience will see them through the minefield that stands between them and the Pro12 play-offs.
After the home game with Treviso on Saturday, the Liberty Stadium region conclude their regular-season campaign with away dates at Glasgow and Leinster.
They are likely to need wins from all three games, with the Scarlets playing out their programme with a trio of home fixtures.
The neighbours are locked together on points in the battle for the fourth and final play-off place.
But the Ospreys, who have never failed to make the knockout stage, are counting on their efforts in previous seasons to stand them in good stead over the run-in.
Assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys said: "We have been in this situation before and so know what it takes to get on a late run.
"It isn't a question of nerve.
"It's about playing to potential and trying to improve our performance level in every game.
"We know what to do but we also know we have to play to the best of our ability."
The Ospreys intend paying Treviso every respect, with the Italians having defeated Munster and the Blues and drawn with Ulster at Ravenhill in recent weeks.
The Benetton-backed outfit have also beaten the Ospreys twice this season.
"They are a dangerous side," said Humphreys.
"Not only did they deservedly beat us, but they've also defeated all the other Welsh regions this term as well this season and have made huge steps forward.
"I watched their game against Ulster and what impressed me was the way they battled back after falling behind early on.
"They have a strong set-piece and will pose a huge challenge."
The Ospreys will be without long-term casualties such as Eli Walker, Hanno Dirksen and Tom Smith, but after a two-week break they hope to be able to field a strong side.
They are looking to improve on their display against the Blues last time out, despite winning comfortably at the Millennium Stadium.
"We'd been going well as a pack and showing a good work ethic but we fell off a bit in Cardiff," said Humphreys.
"It's important we get back to the high standards we set ourselves. Certainly, we will need to be better than we were against the Blues."
MARK ORDERS
