Ospreys team to play Newport Gwent Dragons

The Ospreys team to play Newport Gwent Dragons at the Rodney Parade on Sunday 1st January 2017, KO 5.05pm, is as follows:

15 Sam Davies

14 Dafydd Howells

13 Kieron Fonotia

12 Josh Matavesi

11 Dan Evans

10 Dan Biggar

9 Tom Habberfield

 

1 Paul James

2 Scott Baldwin

3 Maafu Fia

4 Lloyd Ashley

5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

6 Olly Cracknell

7 Justin Tipuric

8 James King

 

REPLACEMENTS

16 Sam Parry

17 Nicky Smith

18 Rhodri Jones

19 Rory Thornton

20 Dan Baker

21 Sam Underhill

22 Brendon Leonard

23 Hanno Dirksen

 

Paul James makes his 210th Ospreys appearance and moves ahead of Andrew Bishop to go second in the all-time appearance list

 

Dan Biggar makes his 196th Ospreys appearance and moves ahead of Adam Jones to go fifth in the all-time appearance list

 

The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:

Tyler Ardron - Thumb 

Dmitri Arhip - Shoulder

Bradley Davies - Knee

Tom Grabham Shin/Knee

Jeff Hassler Achilles

Ben John Groin

Dan Lydiate - Knee

Eli Walker - Foot 

Owen Watkin Knee

Rhys Webb Ankle

 

Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:

The Scarlets match was a typical derby, very physical, maybe not too easy on the eye, but tight and extremely competitive. It was good to see that we were able to keep our discipline and focus, and we put in a second half performance that ensured we took the win on the day. It was good to show that we can slug it out and win ugly. We arent just about scoring tries, we pride ourselves on defence and that side of our game was spot on against the Scarlets.

We can expect more of the same at Rodney Parade, the Dragons have been in decent shape and always provide a challenge. Therell be a big crowd and an atmosphere to match so itll be another real test for us as a group.

If you look at this block of three games, weve got off to a good start with the win over the Scarlets but theres plenty of work still to be done. Weve got the Dragons, then Connacht at the Liberty next week, and only after that, when the PRO12 breaks for a month, will be sit down and look at where we are in the table, taking stock of our position. 

For our part, its all about staying focused and not getting carried away with ourselves. We are enjoying our rugby, enjoy the challenges being thrown at us, and its crucial that we keep plugging way, working hard on the training pitch during the week and transferring that into match day. If we can take care of that we know well be heading in the right direction in 2017.

 

Forthcoming Fixtures 

Sat 7 Jan 1.30pm Ospreys v Connacht Liberty Stadium PRO12

Sun 15 Jan 3.00pm Ospreys v Lyon Liberty Stadium ERCC

Sat 21 Jan 5.00pm Newcastle Falcons v Ospreys Kingston Park ERCC

Sat 28 Jan 3.00pm Ospreys v Bristol Bridgend Ford Brewery Field AW Cup