The Ospreys team to play Grenoble at the Stade Des Alpes, in ERCC Rd 3, on Thursday 8th December 2016, KO 8.45pm (Local), is as follows:
15 Dan Evans
14 Keelan Giles
13 Kieron Fonotia
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Dafydd Howells
10 Dan Biggar
9 Tom Habberfield
1 Paul James
2 Sam Parry
3 Dmitri Arhip
4 Rory Thornton
5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
6 James King
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Dan Baker
REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Otten
17 Nicky Smith
18 Rhodri Jones
19 Lloyd Ashley
20 Sam Underhill
21 Rob McCusker
22 Brendon Leonard
23 Sam Davies
Kieron Fonotia makes his EPCR debut
The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:
Tyler Ardron – Thumb
Scott Baldwin - HIA
Bradley Davies - Knee
Hanno Dirksen – Knee
Ma’afu Fia - Shoulder
Jeff Hassler – Achilles
Ben John – Groin
Dan Lydiate - Knee
Eli Walker - Foot
Owen Watkin – Knee
Rhys Webb – Ankle
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“We’ve made a solid start in this competition but we know that these back to back games in December are what can make or break a team’s chances of succeeding in their pool. The focus has been on making the most of the momentum that we’ve built over the first two rounds, not letting the hard work so far go to waste.
“Heading out to France always presents a real challenge and we are expecting this to be no different. French crowds are always noisy and passionate, and we are up against opposition that will be physical, strong and aggressive. That’s part of the challenge for us, standing up to them and making sure we match them, while focusing on our own strengths. It’s a short turn around for us as well, travelling on Wednesday after last Friday night’s game but that adds to it and makes us sit up and realise we are doing something a little different, going somewhere new, and we’ve got to use that positively.
“This game is the halfway point of the pool stage for us and we know if we make it three wins from three we’ll be in a good position, particularly with two of the remaining games at home. It’s important not to get carried away, or to look too far ahead of ourselves though, as no matter how good you are, nothing is won this early in December.
“Regardless of what happens on Thursday, we’ve got to keep working hard and stay focused. With Grenoble coming back to ours the following weekend and then derbies against the Scarlets and the Dragons, the big games don’t stop. If we let our standards drop, on or off the field, then we’ll spoil the huge efforts we’ve made collectively so far.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Sat 17 Dec – 3.00pm – Ospreys v Grenoble – Liberty Stadium – ERCC
Tues 27 Dec – 3.00pm – Ospreys v Scarlets – Liberty Stadium – PRO12
Sun 1 Jan – 5.05pm – Dragons v Ospreys – Rodney Parade – PRO12