Ospreys team to face Ulster

Tandy names team to face Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday night

 

The Ospreys team to play Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday 7th February, KO 7.35pm, is as follows:

 

15 Sam Davies

14 Jeff Hassler 

13 Jonathan Spratt (Capt)

12 Ashley Beck

11 Aisea Natoga

10 Matthew Morgan

9 Tom Habberfield

 

1 Duncan Jones

2 Scott Baldwin

3 Aaron Jarvis

4 Lloyd Peers

5 Perry Parker

6 Tyler Ardron

7 Sam Lewis

8 Joe Bearman

 

 

REPLACEMENTS

 

16 Matthew Dwyer

17 Ryan Bevington

18 Dan Suter

19 Dan Baker

20 Morgan Allen

21 Tito Tebaldi

22 Richard Fussell

23 Eli Walker

 

 

Perry Parker makes his first Ospreys start

 

Head Coach Steve Tandy said:

 

“These next four weeks are massive for us in terms of how the rest of the season plays out, and beyond that, in regards to what we are trying to build here for the longer term, whatever the future holds for Ospreys Rugby.

 

“The last couple of weeks in the LV= Cup have been a valuable experience for us in terms of getting some meaningful game time for some of the next generation of Ospreys, and there is a lot to be pleased about. The intent and the commitment has been good and that reflected in the way they kept going against Sale last week. We’re trying to grow our attacking threat, and anyone who has watched the last two games will be excited about what the future holds for us.

 

“In the short term though, the focus is on Ulster this weekend then back-to-back games at the Liberty against Treviso and Munster. Some of the boys who have performed well over the last couple of games will get a chance to show what they can do while we have an experienced core to the group who will have to lead by example.

 

“Ravenhill is always a very difficult place to go and play, whatever time of the season you go there, but even more so during the international period. They have a strong core that is available to them throughout the season, with some world class overseas players, and that allows them to stay strong during this period. It’s an example of what can be achieved by union and club working together for the good of the game, certainly. We know that it’s going to be a challenge for us but we are up for it and looking forward to getting this period of games started.”

 

Nineteen players were unavailable for selection due to international duty with Wales, Wales U20 and Wales Sevens

 

The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:

 

Dmitri Arhip – Achilles

Andrew Bishop – Back

Hanno Dirksen – Thigh

Tom Isaacs – Ankle

Ben John - Shoulder

Ryan Jones - Hamstring

Tom Smith - Knee