Ospreys team to play Grenoble

The Ospreys team to play Grenoble at the Stade Des Alpes, in ERCC Rd 3, on Thursday 8th December 2016, KO 8.45pm (Local), is as follows:

15 Dan Evans

14 Keelan Giles

13 Kieron Fonotia

12 Josh Matavesi

11 Dafydd Howells

10 Dan Biggar

9 Tom Habberfield

 

1 Paul James

2 Sam Parry

3 Dmitri Arhip

4 Rory Thornton

5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

6 James King

7 Justin Tipuric

8 Dan Baker

 

REPLACEMENTS

16 Scott Otten

17 Nicky Smith

18 Rhodri Jones

19 Lloyd Ashley

20 Sam Underhill

21 Rob McCusker

22 Brendon Leonard

23 Sam Davies

 

Kieron Fonotia makes his EPCR debut

 

The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:

Tyler Ardron Thumb

Scott Baldwin - HIA

Bradley Davies - Knee

Hanno Dirksen Knee

Maafu Fia - Shoulder

Jeff Hassler Achilles

Ben John Groin

Dan Lydiate - Knee

Eli Walker - Foot

Owen Watkin Knee

Rhys Webb Ankle

 

Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:

Weve made a solid start in this competition but we know that these back to back games in December are what can make or break a teams chances of succeeding in their pool. The focus has been on making the most of the momentum that weve built over the first two rounds, not letting the hard work so far go to waste.

Heading out to France always presents a real challenge and we are expecting this to be no different. French crowds are always noisy and passionate, and we are up against opposition that will be physical, strong and aggressive. Thats part of the challenge for us, standing up to them and making sure we match them, while focusing on our own strengths. Its a short turn around for us as well, travelling on Wednesday after last Friday nights game but that adds to it and makes us sit up and realise we are doing something a little different, going somewhere new, and weve got to use that positively.

This game is the halfway point of the pool stage for us and we know if we make it three wins from three well be in a good position, particularly with two of the remaining games at home. Its important not to get carried away, or to look too far ahead of ourselves though, as no matter how good you are, nothing is won this early in December.

Regardless of what happens on Thursday, weve got to keep working hard and stay focused. With Grenoble coming back to ours the following weekend and then derbies against the Scarlets and the Dragons, the big games dont stop. If we let our standards drop, on or off the field, then well spoil the huge efforts weve made collectively so far.

 

Forthcoming Fixtures

Sat 17 Dec 3.00pm Ospreys v Grenoble Liberty Stadium ERCC

Tues 27 Dec 3.00pm Ospreys v Scarlets Liberty Stadium PRO12

Sun 1 Jan 5.05pm Dragons v Ospreys Rodney Parade PRO12