Ospreys team to play Leinster

The Ospreys team to play Leinster at the RDS on Friday 23rd September, 2016, KO 7.35 pm, is as follows:


15 Sam Davies

14 Jeff Hassler

13 Ashley Beck

12 Josh Matavesi

11 Ben John

10 Dan Biggar

9 Rhys Webb

 

1 Paul James

2 Scott Baldwin

3 Dmitri Arhip

4 Lloyd Ashley

5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

6 James King

7 Justin Tipuric

8 Tyler Ardron

 

REPLACEMENTS

16 Sam Parry

17 Nicky Smith

18 Maafu Fia

19 Bradley Davies

20 Dan Baker

21 Tom Habberfield

22 Dafydd Howells

23 Dan Evans

 

Alun Wyn Jones makes his 200th Ospreys appearance

Jeff Hassler makes his 50th Ospreys appearance

 

The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:

Hanno Dirksen - Knee

Dan Lydiate - Shoulder

Sam Underhill Shoulder

Owen Watkin - Knee

 

Eli Walker was unavailable for selection to be with his partner who is due to give birth

 

Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:

Theres no bigger challenge in the PRO12 than going to the RDS to face a fully loaded Leinster team so we know were in for a tough evening. Weve made a positive start to the season but we know it doesnt count for anything at this point. We have to go up a few levels now with Ulster away and then the Blues at the Liberty coming up after this weekend. Well definitely have a better grasp of where we are at in a few weeks time.

Whats been particularly pleasing over the last few weeks has been how the players have transferred what theyve been working on during the week into the 80 minutes on matchday. They know what is required of them, what they are expected to do, and theyve been relentless in each of the three games so far. The attention to detail has largely been there and thats reflected on the scoreboard.

Its not been perfect, there are work ons that have kept us grounded, but we know we are heading in the right direction. Friday is going to be our toughest test yet, against a side that weve enjoyed some memorable battles with, and we are really looking forward to it. Our focus will be on our performance, the areas that we can control. If we do what we have to do, performance follows.

 

Forthcoming Fixtures

Sat 1 Oct 5.30pm KO - Ulster v Ospreys Kingspan Stadium PRO12

Fri 7 Oct 7.35pm KO Ospreys v Cardiff Blues Liberty Stadium PRO12

Fri 14 Oct 7.05pm KO Ospreys v Newcastle Falcons Liberty Stadium Challenge Cup

Sat 22 Oct 7.45pm (UK) Lyon v Ospreys Matmut Stadium Challenge Cup