Ospreys team to play Saracens

The Ospreys team to play Saracens at Liberty Stadium on Saturday 13th January 2018, KO 7.45pm, is as follows:

15 Sam Davies

14 Jeff Hassler

13 Ashley Beck

12 Owen Watkin

11 Dan Evans

10 Dan Biggar

9 Rhys Webb

 

1 Nicky Smith

2 Scott Baldwin

3 Dmitri Arhip

4 Bradley Davies

5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

6 Olly Cracknell

7 Justin Tipuric

8 Rob McCusker

 

REPLACEMENTS

16 Scott Otten

17 Gareth Thomas

18 Maafu Fia

19 Adam Beard

20 Will Jones

21 Tom Habberfield

22 Kieron Fonotia

23 Dafydd Howells


Will Jones will make his European debut if he comes off the bench

 

The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury

Cory Allen - Pectoral

Dan Baker Knee

Hanno Dirksen - Thigh

Keelan Giles Knee

Paul James - Shoulder

Ben John HIA

James King Shoulder

Dan Lydiate - Bicep

Brian Mujati Shoulder

Sam Parry Ankle

Ifan Phillips - Shoulder

Rory Thornton Shoulder

Eli Walker Back

Kieran Williams Ankle

Tom Williams - Forearm

Ospreys Head Coach, Steve Tandy, said:

We are going into the final two rounds of the Champions Cup with everything to play for, so its an exciting time. Bringing a team of the calibre of Saracens to the Liberty knowing that the winner can knock the other team out of the equation with a game to go really is something huge. 

Saracens record in this competition speaks for itself. Until last month they hadnt lost in more than two years, are back-to-back champions, and with some big players coming back into the frame over the last few weeks, they have real quality and depth in every position. They showed against Wasps at the weekend what they are capable of and we have to be prepared for that. They believe in their ability to go anywhere and win so weve got to stand up to them.

It was a great contest up at theirs in Round 2, we left with two points in the bag, and we have to really step up again on Saturday night. This group of players has shown a great attitude and desire to get us into a positive position and they know they have to go again.

Were at home, therell be a good crowd behind us, these are the occasions that we all want to be involved in. Weve got to make sure we enjoy the experience. Its a fantastic opportunity for the boys involved to go out on a big stage and show what they can do.

 

Forthcoming Fixtures

Sat 20 Jan 4.15pm KO (Local) Clermont Auvergne v Ospreys Stade Marcel Michelin ERCC

Fri 26 Jan 7.45pm KO Gloucester v Ospreys Kingsholm AW Cup

Fri 2 Feb 7.30pm KO Ospreys v Bath Liberty Stadium AW Cup

Fri 9 Feb 7.30pm KO Connacht v Ospreys Sportsground PRO14