The Ospreys team to play Leinster at the Liberty Stadium on Friday 8th January 2016, KO 7.45pm, is as follows:
15 Dan Evans
14 Jeff Hassler
13 Jonathan Spratt
12 Owen Watkin
11 Hanno Dirksen
10 Dan Biggar
9 Brendon Leonard
1 Paul James (Capt)
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Aaron Jarvis
4 Lloyd Ashley
5 Rory Thornton
6 James King
7 Sam Underhill
8 Dan Baker
REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Otten
17 Nicky Smith
18 Ma’afu Fia
19 Alun Wyn Jones
20 Justin Tipuric
21 Tom Habberfield
22 Sam Davies
23 Eli Walker
The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:
Tyler Ardron – Knee
Dmitri Arhip - Ribs
Ashley Beck – ACL
Gareth Delve - Ankle
Dafydd Howells – Hamstring
Dan Lydiate - Neck
Josh Matavesi - Calf
Marc Thomas – Hip
Rhys Webb – Foot
Ospreys Head Coach, Steve Tandy, said:
“We can look back at the Christmas period and be relatively pleased with the outcome from two difficult matches, even if we feel that we still have some way to go in terms of performance if we are going to achieve what we want to this season.
“It doesn’t get any easier as we’re up against the form team in the PRO12 on Friday night. Leinster had to deal with similar issues to ourselves at the start of the season due to their over contribution to the Rugby World Cup but have more than made up for that as they’ve played their way towards the top of the table. We know that we have to continue striving for excellence as a team, working hard as a collective, if we’re going to keep heading in the right direction ourselves, starting on Friday.
“Clearly the win over the Dragons last weekend came at a cost with some senior players ruled out of action but we can’t look to hide behind that as an excuse. Although it’s a young squad involved on Friday, there’s a hardcore of international experience still available and we’ve got some exciting up and coming talent mixed in who have a chance to really make a name for themselves, starting this weekend. They’ve got to thrive on the opportunity and make the most of it.
“This is the second game in a huge month for us, a period that we’ve all got to enjoy. Over the last two months we’ve shown no end of character and heart but, to be honest, that is the minimum expected of anyone who wears the Ospreys shirt. That’s got to be backed up by the right attitudes and behaviours, day in, day out, in preparation during the week and on matchday, which will help ensure the boys reach their potential. It’s a relentless month and that’s what we’ve got to be as a group now, relentless. If we aren’t, we won’t get what we want from these games.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Fri 15 Jan – 7.45pm KO – Ospreys v Clermont Auvergne – ERCC
Sun 24 Jan – 3.15pm KO – Exeter Chiefs v Ospreys - ERCC