Ospreys team to play Munster

The Ospreys team for the PRO12 game against Munster at Thomond Park, on Saturday 23rd May 2015, KO 2.30pm, is as follows:


15 Dan Evans

14 Jeff Hassler

13 Ben John

12 Josh Matavesi

11 Eli Walker

10 Dan Biggar

9 Rhys Webb

 

1 Nicky Smith

2 Scott Baldwin

3 Dmitri Arhip

4 Tyler Ardron

5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

6 Dan Lydiate

7 Justin Tipuric

8 Dan Baker

 

REPLACEMENTS

 

16 Sam Parry

17 Marc Thomas

18 Aaron Jarvis

19 Rory Thornton

20 James King

21 Tom Habberfield

22 Sam Davies

23 Jonathan Spratt

 

Tom Habberfield will make his 50th Ospreys appearance if he comes off the bench

Dan Evans makes his 100th career PRO12 appearance

 

The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:

 

Ashley Beck - Ankle

Rynier Bernardo – Knee

Ryan Bevington - Groin

Andrew Bishop – Back

Tom Grabham - Abdomen

Cai Griffiths – Bicep

Ross Jones – Ankle

Aisea Natoga – Knee ligaments

Lloyd Peers - Pectoral

 

 

Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:

Were at the stage of the season now where its all about what happens on the day. The 22 game season is done and dusted, its not about bonus tries, or who finishes where. Everything rests on the next 80 minutes and who performs the best on the day. Whats gone earlier in the season has gone. We wont be reading too much into the two wins against Munster, and youd expect that would be the same for them. Its all about Saturday.

Our prep has been good this week. Its been important to keep the routine the same as normal, to keep the same habits, the fact that it is a semi-final makes no difference in how we approach the game. We have to be consistent in how we do things, ensure that we follow the same practices and habits that have got us to this point. To that end its a good mental test of a young group and how they deal with the different pressures of the week

There’s no doubt that this young squad has punched above its weight this season, and it’s really exciting to think that this group is still maturing.  At 29, Alun Wyn is the only player above 27 in the squad, and the average age in the starters is 24. We have a bright future in front of us. This team is only going to get better if they keep working hard, focusing on what they have to and striving for excellence.

This weekend is about the here and now though, and what will be a really tough afternoon against a really good Munster side that will be most peoples favourites with home advantage. A lot has been written this week about no away team ever having won a semi-final. Its a good statistic, but thats all it is, a number. We have to back ourselves to go there, enjoy the occasion, and focus on the factors we can control if we are going to be the first.

  

Forthcoming Fixtures 

Sat 30 May PRO12 Final 6.30pm KO