Ospreys team to play Munster

The Ospreys team to play Munster at Irish Independent Park on Sunday 14th February 2016, KO 5.00pm, is as follows:

 

15 Dan Evans

14 Tom Grabham

13 JJ Engelbrecht

12 Josh Matavesi

11 Ben John

10 Sam Davies

9 Brendon Leonard (Capt)

 

1 Nicky Smith

2 Sam Parry

3 Dmitri Arhip

4 Rynier Bernardo

5 Rory Thornton

6 Joe Bearman

7 Sam Underhill

8 Dan Baker 


REPLACEMENTS 

16 Scott Otten

17 Gareth Thomas

18 Maafu Fia

19 Adam Beard

20 Olly Cracknell

21 Rhys Webb

22 Owen Watkin

23 Tom Habberfield

 

JJ Engelbrecht will make his first Ospreys start

 

The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:

 

Tyler Ardron Knee

Lloyd Ashley - Knee

Ashley Beck Knee

Ryan Bevington - Hip

Gareth Delve Ankle

Hanno Dirksen - Ankle

Jeff Hassler - Thigh

Dafydd Howells Hamstring

 

The following players are absent on international duty: 

Paul James, Scott Baldwin, Aaron Jarvis, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, James King and Dan Biggar

 

Ospreys Head Coach, Steve Tandy, said:

“We know the size of the challenge ahead o if we are going to close the gap on the teams above us and we understand what we've got to do collectively, starting this weekend.

“Make no mistake about it we are still in this race. The PRO12 is tighter than ever and we know that with results this season showing that everybody is capable of beating each other, there is everything left to play for. Anything can happen and you can expect to see plenty of movement in the table over the next few weeks as results go one way then another.

“For us it’s about us looking at the remaining fixtures as nine battles that we’ve got to be up for week by week if we are going to achieve our overall aim, starting in Cork on Sunday against the team who are one place above us. We’ve got an exciting young group who are growing in our environment and getting some miles on the clock at the sharp end. They understand what is expected of them within our culture, are striving for excellence and are relentless in what they do. With experience around them in key positions that’s a good mix and the boys are looking forward to the challenge.

“Every point counts now, starting on Sunday, so we know what we’ve got to do.”

 

Forthcoming Fixtures

Fri 19 Feb 7.05pm KO Ospreys v Edinburgh PRO12

Sat 27 Feb 7.35pm KO Connacht v Ospreys PRO12

Sat 5 Mar 3.00pm KO Leinster v Ospreys PRO12

Sat 26 Mar 3.00pm KO Ospreys v Scarlets PRO12