Ospreys team to face Connacht

The Ospreys team to face Connacht at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea on Saturday 2nd November K.O 5:15pm has been named.

There's no change in the back line, as young Cai Evans maintains his position at fullback with Dirksen and Tom Williams on each wing. Thomas-Wheeler and Scott Williams partner up once more in midfield, while Luke Price and Matthew Aubrey maintain their half-back partnership at outside half and scrumhalf respectively. 

The front row is also unchanged, with Parry packing down at hooker with Rhodri Jones and Tom Botha joining him in the front row. South African international Marvin Orie, making his Ospreys debut and lines up alongside Lloyd Ashley in the second row, allowing interim captain Dan Lydiate to return to his usual position on the blindside flank. Olly Cracknell moves across the back row and back to the openside while Dan Baker makes his first start of the season at number eight. 

On the bench, Lesley Klim will be looking to make his first appearance in front of the home crowd, while young Morgan Morris comes into the squad to cover the back row. This will be the Ospreys' 500th competetive game. The full team can be viewed below.

Starting XV
15. Cai Evans
14. Hanno Dirksen
13. Scott Williams
12. Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler
11. Tom Williams
10. Luke Price
9. Matthew Aubrey

1. Rhodri Jones
2.Sam Parry
3. Tom Botha
4.Marvin Orie
5. Lloyd Ashley
6. Dan Lydiate ©
7.Olly Cracknell
8. Dan Baker

Replacements
16. Scott Otten
17. Gareth Thomas
18. Ma'afu Fia
19. Sam Cross
20. Morgan Morris
21. Reuben Morgan-Williams
22. James Hook
23. Lesley Klim
Marvin Orie will make his Ospreys debut.

Head Coach - Allen Clarke
"We're excited to be back at the Liberty Stadium in front of our home crowd. The boys are fully focused on the level of performance required to be successful against the challenge"

The following players are unavailable for selection due to international duty:
Adam Beard, Aled Davies, Alun Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies, George North, Nicky Smith, Justin Tipuric and Owen Watkin (All Wales)

The following players are unavailable for selection due to injury:
Gareth Anscombe
Harri Morgan
Cory Allen  
Dan Evans
James King
Rhys Henry
Ben Glynn
Shaun Venter
Luke Morgan
Keelan Giles 
Gareth Evans

Forthcoming Fixtures:
Saturday 9th November -- 3pm -- Ospreys v Southern Kings, Liberty Stadium.
Saturday 16th November -- 5:30pm -- Ospreys v Munster, Liberty Stadium.
Saturday 23rd November -- 1pm -- Saracens v Ospreys, Allianz Park.