The Ospreys team to face Connacht at Liberty Stadium, on Friday 31st October 2014, KO 7.35pm, is as follows:
15 Dan Evans
14 Jeff Hassler
13 Andrew Bishop
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Tom Grabham
10 Sam Davies
9 Martin Roberts
1 Duncan Jones
2 Sam Parry
3 Aaron Jarvis
4 Lloyd Peers (Capt)
5 Rynier Bernardo
6 Sam Lewis
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Ieuan Jones
REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Otten
17 Marc Thomas
18 Dmitri Arhip
19 Rory Thornton
20 Jordan Collier
21 Tom Habberfield
22 Ashley Beck
23 Aisea Natoga
Ieuan Jones makes his Ospreys debut
Rory Thornton and Jordan Collier will make their Ospreys debuts if used off the bench
The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:
Morgan Allen - Ankle
Tyler Ardron – Ankle
Joe Bearman - Groin
Ryan Bevington – Groin
Olly Cracknell – Ankle
Ben John - Hamstring
Ross Jones – Ligaments
Tom Smith – Knee
Jonathan Spratt - Knee
De Kock Steenkamp – Achilles
Eli Walker - Ankle
The following players are unavailable due to international call-up:
Dan Baker, Scott Baldwin, Dan Biggar, Alun Wyn Jones, James King, Nicky Smith and Rhys Webb
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“This time of the year is always a tough period, with international call-ups and injuries stretching the squad depth and that’s the case again this season. Saying that, it’s an exciting time when we get to see some of the young talent coming through the ranks, and get to see them stepping up in training and on matchday alongside some of the senior Ospreys.
“Expectation is always high on anyone wearing the Ospreys jersey, internally more so than externally. The boys coming into the group have been made well aware of the standards they need to reach during this month and what is expected of them. We’ve made a very promising start in the PRO12 and the onus is on these boys to build on that, starting on Friday.
“There’s no leeway given to them because they are new to the group, or are stepping up for the first time, they need to hit the ground running as they are being judged on the same criteria as any other player who pulls on the Ospreys jersey. Young or old, they have to know their role, be diligent and well prepared, be clinical in everything they do, and if they tick those boxes then we’ll be heading in the right direction. We’ve got to where we are in the PRO12 so far this season because everyone has focused on performance, and that’s what this group has to do.
“Our supporters have a big part to play as well this month. They’ve been fantastic so far this season, really understanding what we are about and getting behind the region. It’s been appreciated by everybody but now, more so than ever, they have to support the cause and really back these young men who will be representing the Ospreys in back to back home games over the next three weekends. If we pull together, then we can hopefully achieve some good things between now and the end of November but it won’t be easy.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Fri 7 Nov – 7.35pm KO – Ospreys v Saracens – The Gnoll – LV= Cup
Fri 14 Nov – 7.35pm KO – Ospreys v NG Dragons – Brewery Field – LV= Cup
Fri 21 Nov – 7.35pm KO – Ulster v Ospreys – Kingspan Stadium – PRO12
Sat 29 Nov – 5.15pm KO – Leinster v Ospreys – RDS – PRO12
Sat 6 Dec - 3.15pm KO – Ospreys v Racing Metro – Liberty Stadium - ERCC