The Ospreys team for the LV= Cup game against Gloucester at KIngsholm, on Saturday 31st January 2015, KO 3.00pm (UK), is as follows:
15 Richard Fussell
14 Tom Grabham
13 Jonathan Spratt (Capt)
12 Ben John
11 Dafydd Howells
10 Sam Davies
9 Tom Habberfield
1 Gareth Thomas
2 Scott Otten
3 Daniel Suter
4 Rynier Bernardo
5 Tevita Cavubati
6 Olly Cracknell
7 Ieuan Jones
8 Morgan Allen
REPLACEMENTS
16 Matthew Dwyer
17 Tom Sloane
18 Cai Griffiths
19 Rhodri Hughes
20 Ifereimi Boladau
21 Martin Roberts
22 Joe Thomas
23 Aisea Natoga
Tevita Cavubati and Olly Cracknell make their Ospreys debuts
Tom Sloane and Joe Thomas will make their Ospreys debut if they come off the bench
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“This is the start of a very busy and hugely important period for us. We have players away on international duty so we have to look at the ones coming into the squad over the next couple of months to step up and take what is great opportunity for them to shine in an Ospreys shirt.
“Traditionally, we’ve seen relatively unknown youngsters really come to public attention during this time of year, people like Tipuric, King, Smith and Baldwin, who have come through our development pathway and used the opportunity to really kick on as players. We need some of the next generation to make a similar impact now that they are going to get their chance in the jersey.
“We’ve got a lot of youngsters in this squad, some who have played more games than others, and there is an experienced spine to the 15, so it’s going to be interesting to see how they go against a typically physical English side at what can be a really intense place for visiting teams. I’ve played there and experienced it for myself, so I know what kind of challenge it’s going to be.
“Regardless of the names on the team sheet, there is an expectation on us to go to Gloucester and perform well, the boys coming in know that they have to pursue excellence and strive to be the best. If they aren’t well prepared, familiar with their role and clinical in everything they do, then they will get found out pretty quickly in that environment.
“This group of players will have a major say in how our season plays out. Once these two LV= Cup games are out of the way, we face the other three teams in the PRO12 top four, plus in form Edinburgh. There’ s no doubt it’s a massive period for everybody at the Ospreys and it’s crucial that we focus on controlling the areas that are under our control.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Sat 07 Feb – 3.00pm KO – Bath v Ospreys – LV= Cup
Fri 13 Feb – 7.35pm KO – Edinburgh v Ospreys – PRO12
Sat 21 Feb – 5.15pm KO – Glasgow v Ospreys – PRO12
Fri 27 Feb – 7.35pm KO – Ospreys v Leinster – PRO12
Sat 07 Mar – 2.40pm KO – Ospreys v Munster – PRO12