The team to play Saracens at the Gnoll in Neath on Friday evening has been announced.
The Ospreys team to face Saracens at the Gnoll, on Friday 7th November 2014, KO 7.35pm, is as follows:
15 Richard Fussell
14 Dafydd Howells
13 Ashley Beck
12 Aled Jenkins
11 Aisea Natoga
10 Sam Davies
9 Tom Habberfield (Capt)
1 Gareth Thomas
2 Scott Otten
3 Daniel Suter
4 Rory Thornton
5 Rhodri Hughes
6 Jordan Collier
7 Lloyd Evans
8 Ifereimi Boladau
REPLACEMENTS
16 Matthew Dwyer
17 Marc Thomas
18 Nicky Thomas
19 Adam Beard
20 Tommy Spinks
21 Tito Tebaldi
22 Hanno Dirksen
23 Ashley Evans
Aled Jenkins, Gareth Thomas, Rory Thornton and Ifereimi Boladau make their Ospreys debuts
Jordan Collier makes his first Ospreys start
Tommy Spinks and Ashley Evans will make their Ospreys debuts if they come off the bench
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“This group has gone really well over the last couple of weeks in preparation for this period and are bursting to go on Friday night. There’s a good mix to this squad. There’s a decent sprinkling of experience with guys who are looking forward to getting on the field after not featuring much so far this season, and there is a lot of young talent keen to show that they’ve got what it takes to be an Osprey.
“This competition has been very good for us over the years. When you look at the boys who have made an impact in the LV, like James King, Justin Tipuric, Hanno, even Nicky Smith more recently, you can understand what an opportunity it is for players coming through our development pathway. It’s no different this year and I’m looking forward to seeing how the different individuals selected come together as a team to represent the jersey.
“Training and preparation has been really good. We’ve done it a little differently, with an ‘A’ game recently against the Blues to give them a chance to come together ahead of the game, and it’s fair to say that the attitude and application so far has been first class. It’s a big step up over the next week or so now for a lot of these boys and there is an expectation on their shoulders that maybe they’ve not had before. That comes with being an Osprey, they know the standards that are required on and off the field, and we’ll be watching them closely to see how they match up to those standards.
“It’s an exciting selection, one that will whet the appetite of supporters, definitely. Going back to the Gnoll will also give the game an extra spice as there is so much of the Ospreys history associated with the venue despite only playing there for a couple of seasons. I’m sure our supporters will enjoy being back there for the night and will help to really make it a special occasion.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Fri 14 Nov – 7.35pm KO – Ospreys v NG Dragons – Brewery Field – LV= Cup
Fri 21 Nov – 7.35pm KO – Ulster v Ospreys – Kingspan Stadium – PRO12
Sat 29 Nov – 5.15pm KO – Leinster v Ospreys – RDS – PRO12
Sat 6 Dec - 3.15pm KO – Ospreys v Racing Metro – Liberty Stadium – ERCC
Sat 13 Dec – 5.15pm KO Racing Metro v Ospreys – MM Arena – ERCC
Sat 20 Dec – 5.15pm KO Ospreys v Ulster – Liberty Stadium – PRO12
Sat 27 Dec – 5.15pm KO – Ospreys v Scarlets – Liberty Stadium – PRO12