Ospreys team to play Racing Metro

The Ospreys team to face Racing Metro at the MMArena on Saturday 13th December 2014, KO 5.15pm (UK), is as follows:


15 Dan Evans

14 Hanno Dirksen

13 Ashley Beck

12 Josh Matavesi

11 Eli Walker

10 Dan Biggar

9 Rhys Webb

 

1 Marc Thomas

2 Scott Baldwin

3 Dmitri Arhip

4 Rynier Bernardo

5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

6 James King

7 Justin Tipuric

8 Tyler Ardron

 

REPLACEMENTS

 

16 Sam Parry

17 Gareth Thomas

18 Daniel Suter

19 Olly Cracknell

20 Sam Lewis

21 Martin Roberts

22 Sam Davies

23 Andrew Bishop

 

Olly Cracknell makes his Ospreys debut if he comes off the bench 

 

The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:

 

Morgan Allen – Ankle

Dan Baker – Shoulder

Joe Bearman - Groin

Ryan Bevington – Groin

Ifereimi Boladau - Knee

Jeff Hassler – Ligaments

Aaron Jarvis – Pectoral muscle

Duncan Jones –Ligaments

Lloyd Peers - Ligaments

Nicky Smith – Pectoral muscle

Jonathan Spratt - Knee

De Kock Steenkamp – Achilles

 

Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:

We know that its going to be a real test out there but we are up for it. Theres been a great atmosphere in training all week and I think the boys are really looking forward to going out there and testing themselves.

Last weekends game we saw the good and the bad. We started off very slowly and didnt execute the things wed talked about and practiced all week, but all credit to the guys they kept themselves in it, dug in, and put in a second half that we can all be proud of. The challenge now is to do that again this Saturday, but from the very first whistle until the end.

Injuries are continuing to hurt us but thats professional sport and whoever comes in to this team knows what is expected of them, what their role is, and the standards they have to live up to. Weve seen in recent weeks how boys who have been under the radar, maybe, take the same pride in the jersey as the ones they are replacing and will give everything for the cause. Thats how it should be, and how it will be on Saturday.

Racing will have some big players coming back in most likely, but we arent looking at them. We are looking at our own preparation, our game plan, and ensuring that we are ready. We know whats at stake, how important this game, and well go to Le Mans and enjoy the experience while remembering that we have to be at our very best. Anything less and well be in trouble.

 

Forthcoming Fixtures

Sat 20 Dec 5.15pm KO Ospreys v Ulster Liberty Stadium PRO12

Sat 27 Dec 5.15pm KO Ospreys v Scarlets Liberty Stadium PRO12

Sat 3 Jan 5.05pm KO Scarlets v Ospreys Parc y Scarlets PRO12

Sun 11 Jan 4.00pm KO Ospreys v NG Dragons Liberty Stadium PRO12