The team for Friday night's game against Zebre has been confirmed.
The Ospreys team to face Zebre at Stadio XXV Aprile, on Friday 3rd October 2014, KO 7.35pm, is as follows:
15 Dan Evans
14 Jeff Hassler
13 Jonathan Spratt (Capt)
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Hanno Dirksen
10 Dan Biggar
9 Martin Roberts
1 Nicky Smith
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Dmitri Arhip
4 Lloyd Peers
5 Rynier Bernardo
6 Joe Bearman
7 James King
8 Morgan Allen
REPLACEMENTS
16 Sam Parry
17 Duncan Jones
18 Cai Griffiths
19 Alun Wyn Jones
20 Sam Lewis
21 Rhys Webb
22 Sam Davies
23 Andrew Bishop
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“This is another test for us, another 80 minutes where we will find out a lot about the character of this squad. It was a good result in Munster and the attitude and desire displayed was first class. However, it wasn’t all good, and after the match there was a realisation that ill discipline could have lost us that game.
“There’s been a lot of hard work and some home truths spoken this week, to make sure everyone realises where we need to improve going into this game. In fairness to the group, they are well aware of the need to keep striving for improvement and there is a good attitude in the squad. If we can harness that, keep working hard as a collective, then the squad can continue improving week on week.
“Zebre will be in a good place after their win over Ulster. Having suffered there at the end of last season we know what they are all about and that result didn’t come as a surprise to us. We know that the start we’ve had means nothing when the boys cross the white line on Friday night. We’re expecting a tough, physical contest, and they have some extremely dangerous players so if we aren’t focused on the job in hand they will cause some real damage. It’ll be another fantastic experience for the youngsters in the team, another environment to challenge them, and we’re going there with feet planted firmly on the ground.”
The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:
Tyler Ardron - Ankle
Ashley Beck - Hip
Ryan Bevington – Groin
Aaron Jarvis - Hamstring
Ross Jones - Ligaments
Tom Smith - Knee
Justin Tipuric – Concussion
Eli Walker - Shoulder
Forthcoming Fixtures
Sun 12 Oct - 4.00pm KO - Ospreys v Cardiff Blues - Liberty Stadium - PRO12
Sun 18 Oct - 1.00pm KO - Ospreys v Treviso - Liberty Stadium - ERCC
Sat 25 Oct - 5.15pm KO - Northampton Saints - Franklin’s Gardens - ERCC
Fri 31 Oct - 7.35pm KO - Ospreys v Connacht - Liberty Stadium - PRO12