Ospreys team to play Munster

The Ospreys team for the PRO12 game against Munster at Liberty Stadium on Saturday 7th March 2015, KO 2.40pm, is as follows:

 

15 Dan Evans

14 Tom Grabham

13 Jonathan Spratt

12 Josh Matavesi

11 Hanno Dirksen

10 Sam Davies

9 Tom Habberfield

 

1 Ryan Bevington

2 Scott Otten

3 Aaron Jarvis

4 Lloyd Peers

5 Tyler Ardron

6 James King

7 Justin Tipuric (Capt)

8 Dan Baker

 

REPLACEMENTS

 

16 Matthew Dwyer

17 Nicky Smith

18 Dmitri Arhip

19 Rory Thornton

20 Olly Cracknell

21 Morgan Allen

22 Martin Roberts

23 Ben John

 

The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:

 

Joe Bearman – Groin

Ashley Beck - Ankle

Rynier Bernardo - Knee

Andrew Bishop – Back

Tevita Cavubati - Shoulder

Cai Griffiths - Bicep

Jeff Hassler – Ligaments

Dafydd Howells - Ankle

Ross Jones - Ankle

Sam Parry - Ankle

De Kock Steenkamp – Achilles

Marc Thomas - Calf

Eli Walker – Cartilage

 

Scott Baldwin, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar were unavailable for selection due to international duty

  

Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:

This is a huge game for us having dropped out of the play-off spots last week. Munster are at the top of the table now and are a quality outfit, so we know that we are going to have to be at our best if we are going to get the performance level needed to ensure we stay in touch after this weekend. 

At the risk of repeating myself and stating the obvious, this is an absolutely crucial period as it always is, a month that can shape how the table looks come the end of the season. Weve had some disappointments the last few games but I think week on week there have been clear improvements, to the extent that we should have had more from the Leinster match and were all disappointed at the final week.

That disappointment has set the tone in training, there was a focus last week that weve carried through to this week, and preparation has been good. The players understand that this is a game where they have to front up, be they the youngsters in the squad or the older, more experienced heads who have a duty to provide the leadership we need on and off the field.

If we can get the performance level right on Saturday, ensure that we are on top of the factors we can control, then well be where we want to be. If the outcome of that is the win, then well be in a healthy position for the end of season run-in.

 

Forthcoming Fixtures

Sat 28 Mar 7.15pm KO Ospreys v Zebre PRO12

Fri 10 Apr 7.35pm KO Benetton Treviso v Ospreys PRO12

Sat 25 Apr 2.30pm KO Cardiff Blues v Ospreys PRO12