The Ospreys team for the PRO12 game against Munster at Thomond Park, on Saturday 23rd May 2015, KO 2.30pm, is as follows:
15 Dan Evans
14 Jeff Hassler
13 Ben John
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Eli Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Nicky Smith
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Dmitri Arhip
4 Tyler Ardron
5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
6 Dan Lydiate
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Dan Baker
REPLACEMENTS
16 Sam Parry
17 Marc Thomas
18 Aaron Jarvis
19 Rory Thornton
20 James King
21 Tom Habberfield
22 Sam Davies
23 Jonathan Spratt
Tom Habberfield will make his 50th Ospreys appearance if he comes off the bench
Dan Evans makes his 100th career PRO12 appearance
The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:
Ashley Beck - Ankle
Rynier Bernardo – Knee
Ryan Bevington - Groin
Andrew Bishop – Back
Tom Grabham - Abdomen
Cai Griffiths – Bicep
Ross Jones – Ankle
Aisea Natoga – Knee ligaments
Lloyd Peers - Pectoral
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“We’re at the stage of the season now where it’s all about what happens on the day. The 22 game season is done and dusted, it’s not about bonus tries, or who finishes where. Everything rests on the next 80 minutes and who performs the best on the day. What’s gone earlier in the season has gone. We won’t be reading too much into the two wins against Munster, and you’d expect that would be the same for them. It’s all about Saturday.
“Our prep has been good this week. It’s been important to keep the routine the same as normal, to keep the same habits, the fact that it is a semi-final makes no difference in how we approach the game. We have to be consistent in how we do things, ensure that we follow the same practices and habits that have got us to this point. To that end it’s a good mental test of a young group and how they deal with the different pressures of the week
“There’s no doubt that this young squad has punched above its weight this season, and it’s really exciting to think that this group is still maturing. At 29, Alun Wyn is the only player above 27 in the squad, and the average age in the starters is 24. We have a bright future in front of us. This team is only going to get better if they keep working hard, focusing on what they have to and striving for excellence.
“This weekend is about the here and now though, and what will be a really tough afternoon against a really good Munster side that will be most people’s favourites with home advantage. A lot has been written this week about no away team ever having won a semi-final. It’s a good statistic, but that’s all it is, a number. We have to back ourselves to go there, enjoy the occasion, and focus on the factors we can control if we are going to be the first.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Sat 30 May – PRO12 Final – 6.30pm KO