The Ospreys team for the PRO12 game against Benetton Treviso at Stadio Comunale di Monigo, on Friday 10th April 2015, KO 7.35pm, is as follows:
15 Dan Evans
14 Tom Grabham
13 Jonathan Spratt
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Eli Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Ryan Bevington
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Aaron Jarvis
4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
5 Tyler Ardron
6 Dan Lydiate
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Dan Baker
REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Otten
17 Nicky Smith
18 Dmitri Arhip
19 Lloyd Peers
20 James King
21 Tom Habberfield
22 Sam Davies
23 Ben John
Eli Walker makes his 50th appearance for the Ospreys
The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:
Ashley Beck - Ankle
Rynier Bernardo - Knee
Andrew Bishop – Back
Cai Griffiths - Bicep
Jeff Hassler – Knee ligaments
Dafydd Howells - Ankle
Ross Jones – Ankle
Aisea Natoga – Knee ligaments
De Kock Steenkamp – Achilles
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“We’re at that stage of the season now where every game is crucial and every point gained or lost can make a huge difference. We’ve had a couple of good wins against Munster and Zebre which have allowed us to retake control of our own fate, something that is so important when you get to this point, but everybody here is well aware that we’ve achieved nothing yet. We’ve got a hell of a lot of hard work ahead of us if we want to ensure our season runs beyond May the 16th and round 22 in Connacht.
“Zebre was pretty pleasing in that we were able to reintegrate all our Wales boys, who desperately want to be involved, without picking up any new injuries, and securing the bonus point. There was plenty to be pleased about in the performance, particularly the attitude and positive approach we showed, but tellingly there was still plenty that has needed our attention in the two weeks since.
“We know that we are going to have to be 100 per cent every week now. If we can do that, for each of the games that are left, then we know that we’ll be able to stay in the top four and qualify for the play-offs.
“The boys recognise that and know that they have to step it up a notch or two. Preparation is the key from here on in. There needs to be attention to detail and everybody has to know what is expected of them, and of those around them. It’s the only way to maintain the high standards expected of an Ospreys team and needed to retain a top four spot.
“That’s pretty much been the message all week long, particularly going somewhere we’ve been caught out a few times, as recently as January. Complacency won’t come into it as we know how dangerous a place this is to go, we will be going there demanding and expecting a top level performance, as we will every week between now and the end of the season.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Sat 25 Apr – 2.30pm KO – Cardiff Blues v Ospreys – PRO12
Fri 8 May – 7.35pm KO – Ospreys v Glasgow – PRO12
Sat 16May – 3.00pm KO – Connacht v Ospreys – PRO12