Ospreys team to play Leinster

Fussell, Beck, Habberfield, Ryan and Bearman all come into starting XV for Friday night's must win PRO12 encounter at the Liberty Stadium (KO 7.05pm)

 

The Ospreys team to play Leinster at the Liberty Stadium on Friday 11th April 2014, KO 7.05pm, is as follows:

 

15 Richard Fussell

14 Jeff Hassler

13 Jonathan Spratt

12 Ashley Beck

11 Aisea Natoga

10 Dan Biggar

9 Tom Habberfield

 

1 Duncan Jones

2 Scott Baldwin

3 Aaron Jarvis

4 Ryan Jones

5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

6 Joe Bearman

7 Justin Tipuric

8 Dan Baker

 

 

REPLACEMENTS

 

16 Scott Otten

17 Nicky Smith

18 Adam Jones

19 James King

20 Morgan Allen

21 Tito Tebaldi

22 Sam Davies

23 Hanno Dirksen

 

Richard Fussell makes his 100th appearance for the Ospreys and will be presented with a commemorative jersey pitch side by Chairman, Roger Blyth, before kick-off

 

Head Coach Steve Tandy said:

 

“It’s do or die for us over the next four games now. We have to put in consistent top level performances between now and the end of the season if we are going to secure a play-off spot. 

 

“We were extremely disappointed with the result in Glasgow, which has left us playing catch-up, but the attitude from the entire squad has been first class since then and the boys are really looking forward to the challenge ahead.

 

“It’s crucial that we get the performance right on Friday night. Do that, and the rest will fall into place. We know that Glasgow are now favourites for the fourth spot, but we won’t be giving up. We’ve got to keep on going, maintaining pressure on the teams above us in case they slip up. The top four have all got to play each other between now and the end of the season so we have to make sure that if results go our way, we can take advantage.

 

“This is a young group, with a splash of experience, and they have a very bright future in front of them. We’ve seen already what they can do and the way we are attempting to develop our game. We need to find more consistency week in, week out, and that will come with experience as they grow. I’m really excited about the future for the Ospreys, but  we’ve got to deliver now, not next month or next season. We are at the time of the season when there is no margin for error.

 

“Hopefully the supporters will recognise what we are doing and will keep buying into it, wanting to be a part of it. It looks like we’ll have a big crowd at the Liberty on Friday night which is what the boys deserve, and which is what we’ll need regularly if we are going to be able to achieve all we want to, this season and beyond that.”

 

The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:

 

Dmitri Arhip – Achilles

Ryan Bevington - Groin

Richard Hibbard - Shoulder

Tom Isaacs – Ankle

Ben John - Shoulder

Lloyd Peers - Shoulder

Tom Smith - Knee

Eli Walker - Hamstring

Rhys Webb - Knee

Sam Williams - Shoulder

 

Forthcoming Fixtures

 

Sun 20 April - 4.45pm KO - NG Dragons v Ospreys - PRO12

Thurs 1 May 6.00pm KO (Local) - Zebre v Ospreys - PRO12

Sat 10 May - 6.30pm KO Ospreys v Connacht - PRO12