The Ospreys team to play Newport Gwent Dragons at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday 29th October 2016, KO 3.00pm UK, is as follows:
15 Dan Evans
14 Keelan Giles
13 Ben John
12 Ashley Beck
11 Eli Walker
10 Josh Matavesi
9 Tom Habberfield (Capt)
1 Paul James
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Dmitri Arhip
4 Lloyd Ashley
5 Adam Beard
6 Dan Lydiate
7 Olly Cracknell
8 Joe Bearman
REPLACEMENTS
16 Sam Parry
17 Gareth Thomas
18 Ma’afu Fia
19 Rob McCusker
20 Scott Otten
21 Brendon Leonard
22 Jonathan Spratt
23 Dafydd Howells
The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:
Tyler Ardron – Thumb
Hanno Dirksen – Knee
Jeff Hassler – Achilles
Sam Underhill – Shoulder
Owen Watkin - Knee
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“We’ve had a good couple of weeks in Europe, backing up the win over the Blues in our last PRO12 game with good performances and bonus point victories against Newcastle and Lyon. We know that Saturday is going to be different challenge altogether though and we’ve had to refocus as a group and prepare for this thoroughly.
“Our development pathway keeps on producing young talent and we are immensely proud of what we do, continually leading the way in terms of players going through to the national squad. The consequences of that success are clear, and we realise that we hardest hit of all four regions again this weekend. That’s a fact of life that we are used to now, we have to prepare for it over the course of a season and deal with it. Until the season structure changes, there’s nothing we can do about it so we have to front up, as the Ospreys do.
“We’ve talked about growing squad depth and we’ve seen evidence of that this season. We’ve got to go to the next level on Saturday against a side that hasn’t been so badly hit, but it’s exciting. When you look at the young talent that will be pulling on the shirt this weekend, supplemented by some huge experience, it’s a good blend and we are looking forward to the game.
“It’s a derby match, regardless of who is out there, so it’s going to be tough, it’ll be physical, and the supporters will no doubt help to create a pretty special atmosphere. We are playing at 3 o’clock on a Saturday afternoon as well, which is a rarity in itself, so it should be a good occasion for everyone.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Fri 4 Nov – 7.35pm – Munster v Ospreys - Irish Independent Park – PRO12
Fri 11 Nov – 7.35pm – Ospreys v Harlequins – St Helens – Anglo-Welsh Cup
Fri 18 Nov – 7.15pm – Cardiff Blues v Ospreys – BT Sport CAP – Anglo-Welsh Cup
Fri 25 Nov – 7.35pm – Glasgow v Ospreys – Scotstoun – PRO12