The Ospreys team to play Stade Francais at Principality Stadium, on Sunday 2nd April 2017, KO 5.45pm is as follows:
15 Sam Davies
14 Keelan Giles
13 Ashley Beck
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Dan Evans
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb (Capt)
1 Nicky Smith
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Brian Mujati
4 Lloyd Ashley
5 Rory Thornton
6 Sam Underhill
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Dan Baker
REPLACEMENTS
16 Sam Parry
17 Paul James
18 Ma’afu Fia
19 Tyler Ardron
20 James King
21 Olly Cracknell
22 Kieron Fonotia
23 Tom Habberfield
The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:
Dmitri Arhip – Shoulder
Adam Beard – Elbow
Bradley Davies – Knee
Hanno Dirksen - Knee
Jeff Hassler – Achilles
Ben John – HIA
Alun Wyn Jones - Shoulder
Dan Lydiate – Knee
Rob McCusker – Ankle
James Ratti - Shoulder
Eli Walker – Back
Owen Watkin – Knee
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“We’re at the stage of the season, and of this competition, where every game counts, starting with Sunday. This is knockout rugby and what’s happened before this weekend is irrelevant, it’s about the performance we put in on Sunday night.
“You can’t guarantee outcomes but what we can control is our own performance. If individuals are on top of their detail and their roles and responsibilities, if they have done their prep and have a clear understanding of what is expected of them, and go into the game with the right mindset, then the performance will follow. Anything can happen on the night then.
“We’re excited about going up against Stade at the weekend. They had a big win over Toulon last weekend which answers any questions anyone may have about their mindset after the recent merger talks. They have quality across the park, an immensely physical pack and strength in depth in every position so you can’t look to isolate individual threats, you’ve got to focus on your own job.
“There’s plenty of quality in our squad as well and we are welcoming back into the team individuals who have shown they can do it at the highest level, quality players and proven leaders. It’s going to be a real contest and we’re looking forward to it, while understanding there has to be big improvements on last time out.
“We hope that there’ll be plenty of supporters up in Cardiff at a world class facility to watch what should be a great game and, we hope, to be a part of a day to remember for the Ospreys.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Sat 8 Apr – 3.00pm – Ospreys v Leinster – Liberty Stadium – PRO12
Sat 15 Apr – 2.45pm – Cardiff Blues v Ospreys – Principality Stadium – PRO12
Sat 29 Apr – 3.00pm – Ospreys v Ulster – Liberty Stadium – PRO12
Sat 6 May – 5.15pm – Scarlets v Ospreys – Parc y Scarlets – PRO12