The Ospreys team to play Lyon at Matmut Stadium on Saturday 22nd October 2016, KO 7.45 pm UK, is as follows:
15 Dan Evans
14 Keelan Giles
13 Jonathan Spratt
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Dafydd Howells
10 Sam Davies
9 Tom Habberfield (Capt)
1 Nicky Smith
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Ma’afu Fia
4 Lloyd Ashley
5 Rory Thornton
6 Dan Lydiate
7 Olly Cracknell
8 James King
REPLACEMENTS
16 Sam Parry
17 Paul James
18 Rhodri Jones
19 Adam Beard
20 Rob McCusker
21 Justin Tipuric
22 Brendon Leonard
23 Eli Walker
Olly Cracknell makes his European debut
Rob McCusker will make his Ospreys debut if he comes off the bench
Adam Beard will make his first European appearance if he comes off the bench
The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:
Tyler Ardron – Thumb
Hanno Dirksen – Knee
Jeff Hassler – Achilles
Ben John - Groin
Sam Underhill – Shoulder
Owen Watkin - Knee
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“It was extremely satisfying to see how we took control of the game last week against Newcastle. We took our time to get a grip of it but we were patient and controlled and, once we got our noses ahead we were clinical, both in attack and defence.
“That meant we got our campaign off to positive start, but we know that it’s going to get tougher. Lyon are a big, strong, physical side who will want to impose themselves on us at their ground, in front of their supporters, so we have to front up to the challenge from the very first whistle.
“This is a good test for us. We know that our squad depth will be tried over the next few weeks but the players coming in understand what they have to do and the responsibility they have on their shoulders, starting with this weekend.
“It’s never easy going to France but we’ve prepared well and the group are looking forward to it.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Sat 29 Oct – 3.00pm – Ospreys v NG Dragons – Liberty Stadium – PRO12
Fri 4 Nov – 7.35pm – Munster v Ospreys - Irish Independent Park – PRO12
Fri 11 Nov – 7.35pm – Ospreys v Harlequins – St Helens – Anglo-Welsh Cup
Fri 18 Nov – 7.15pm – Cardiff Blues v Ospreys – BT Sport CAP – Anglo-Welsh Cup