The Ospreys team to play the Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets on Tuesday 26th December 2017, KO 5.35pm, is as follows:
15 Dan Evans
14 Ben John
13 Kieron Fonotia
12 Owen Watkin
11 Jeff Hassler
10 Sam Davies
9 Tom Habberfield
1 Nicky Smith
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Dmitri Arhip
4 Bradley Davies
5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
6 Dan Lydiate
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Olly Cracknell
REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Otten
17 Paul James
18 Ma’afu Fia
19 Adam Beard
20 Rob McCusker
21 Rhys Webb
22 Dan Biggar
23 Ashley Beck
The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury
Cory Allen – Knee
Dan Baker – Knee
Keelan Giles – Knee
Dafydd Howells – Shoulder
James King - Shoulder
Brian Mujati – Shoulder
Sam Parry – Ankle
Rory Thornton – Shoulder
Eli Walker – Back
Kieran Williams – Ankle
Tom Williams - Forearm
Ospreys Head Coach, Steve Tandy, said:
“Christmas rugby is all about derby fixtures against your big rivals and with three physical, keenly contested games in 12 days, everybody is really excited about the next couple of weeks.
“We’ve seen the best of the Ospreys in the Champions Cup this season but we have to forget about that competition now and focus firmly on improving our position in the Guinness PRO14. Scarlets and Dragons away then the Blues home at the start of 2018 is a tough schedule that will test us but we know that we’ve got to keep rising to the challenge.
“These games are always great occasions with big crowds, the kind of games that we all love as players, coaches and supporters. It’s important for us to use the momentum we’ve started building and the energy that comes with these derby matches to drive us on.
“For us, it’s not about local pride, or getting one over local rivals, but ensuring we get a run of performances under our belt that will make the supporters proud and allow us to put ourselves back in contention at the right end of the table.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Tues 26 Dec – 5.35pm KO – Scarlets v Ospreys – Parc y Scarlets – PRO14
Sun 31 Dec – 5.35pm KO – Dragons v Ospreys – Rodney Parade – PRO14
Sat 6 Jan – 3.15pm KO – Ospreys v Cardiff Blues – Liberty Stadium – PRO14
Sat 13 Jan – 7.45pm KO – Ospreys v Saracens – Liberty Stadium - ERCC