The Ospreys team to face Racing Metro at the MMArena on Saturday 13th December 2014, KO 5.15pm (UK), is as follows:
15 Dan Evans
14 Hanno Dirksen
13 Ashley Beck
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Eli Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Marc Thomas
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Dmitri Arhip
4 Rynier Bernardo
5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
6 James King
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Tyler Ardron
REPLACEMENTS
16 Sam Parry
17 Gareth Thomas
18 Daniel Suter
19 Olly Cracknell
20 Sam Lewis
21 Martin Roberts
22 Sam Davies
23 Andrew Bishop
Olly Cracknell makes his Ospreys debut if he comes off the bench
The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:
Morgan Allen – Ankle
Dan Baker – Shoulder
Joe Bearman - Groin
Ryan Bevington – Groin
Ifereimi Boladau - Knee
Jeff Hassler – Ligaments
Aaron Jarvis – Pectoral muscle
Duncan Jones –Ligaments
Lloyd Peers - Ligaments
Nicky Smith – Pectoral muscle
Jonathan Spratt - Knee
De Kock Steenkamp – Achilles
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“We know that it’s going to be a real test out there but we are up for it. There’s been a great atmosphere in training all week and I think the boys are really looking forward to going out there and testing themselves.
“Last weekend’s game we saw the good and the bad. We started off very slowly and didn’t execute the things we’d talked about and practiced all week, but all credit to the guys they kept themselves in it, dug in, and put in a second half that we can all be proud of. The challenge now is to do that again this Saturday, but from the very first whistle until the end.
“Injuries are continuing to hurt us but that’s professional sport and whoever comes in to this team knows what is expected of them, what their role is, and the standards they have to live up to. We’ve seen in recent weeks how boys who have been under the radar, maybe, take the same pride in the jersey as the ones they are replacing and will give everything for the cause. That’s how it should be, and how it will be on Saturday.
“Racing will have some big players coming back in most likely, but we aren’t looking at them. We are looking at our own preparation, our game plan, and ensuring that we are ready. We know what’s at stake, how important this game, and we’ll go to Le Mans and enjoy the experience while remembering that we have to be at our very best. Anything less and we’ll be in trouble.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Sat 20 Dec – 5.15pm KO Ospreys v Ulster – Liberty Stadium – PRO12
Sat 27 Dec – 5.15pm KO – Ospreys v Scarlets – Liberty Stadium – PRO12
Sat 3 Jan – 5.05pm KO – Scarlets v Ospreys – Parc y Scarlets – PRO12
Sun 11 Jan – 4.00pm KO – Ospreys v NG Dragons – Liberty Stadium – PRO12