The Ospreys team for the PRO12 game against Connacht at the Sportsground, on Saturday 16th May 2015, KO 3.00pm, is as follows:
15 Dan Evans
14 Hanno Dirksen
13 Ben John
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Eli Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Nicky Smith
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Dmitri Arhip
4 Tyler Ardron
5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
6 James King
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Dan Baker
REPLACEMENTS
16 Sam Parry
17 Marc Thomas
18 Aaron Jarvis
19 Rory Thornton
20 Dan Lydiate
21 Tom Habberfield
22 Sam Davies
23 Jonathan Spratt
Tom Habberfield will make his 50th Ospreys appearance if he comes off the bench
The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:
Ashley Beck - Ankle
Rynier Bernardo – Knee
Ryan Bevington - Groin
Andrew Bishop – Back
Tom Grabham - Abdomen
Cai Griffiths – Bicep
Jeff Hassler - Hamstring
Ross Jones – Ankle
Aisea Natoga – Knee ligaments
Lloyd Peers - Pectoral
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“It was a good win at the Liberty last weekend to ensure that we go into the final day in first place, knowing that we have control of our own destiny. We aren’t reliant on others to do a job for us and that’s all you can ask for at this time of the season. That said, we know that we have a very tough 80 minutes ahead of us on Saturday against a very good team who have their own prize to play for. If we aren’t at our best, we are well aware that we’ll be in trouble.
“Preparation this week has been no different to any other. The boys have been focused on the job in hand and know that if they are accurate, clinical in what they do and know their role properly, then that will allow us to build a performance to the level we need. It’s a good mental test for a young squad of players, ensuring the right habits and routines, allowing them to focus on performance.
“We know that there’ll be a lot going on elsewhere at the same time but as coaches and players, it’s important that we don’t allow ourselves to be distracted. All the different combinations won’t matter if we don’t do our job first and foremost. We have to control the areas that we can control, and not concern ourselves with whatever else happens away from the Sportsground.
“It’s been a long season and we can be proud of what we have achieved so far. You can look at the four teams who will be involved in the play-offs, and it’s clear that we are punching above our weight. However, we can’t be satisfied with what we’ve done to this point. We have to strive for excellence in everything we do and focus on the challenges that lie ahead.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
22/23 May – PRO12 Semi Finals
Sat 30 May – PRO12 Final – 6.30pm KO