Ospreys have named their squad to face Saracens in the Heineken Champions Cup, Round of 16. The game will take place at the StoneX Stadium and is kicking off on Sunday 2nd April at 3pm.
With most of the Ospreys’ international players returning to the squad, Justin Tipuric is set to captain a near full-strength team in their trip to Saracens.
Nicky Smith starts at loosehead, with Sam Parry lining up at hooker and Tomas Francis returning to the team to complete the front three.
Adam Beard partners with Alun Wyn Jones in the second row. In the back row, Ethan Roots and Justin Tipuric line up at flanker, with Morgan Morris set to start at eight following his Player of the Match performance against the Dragons last week.
Fresh from international duty, Rhys Webb and Owen Williams return to partner in the half-back roles.
Keiran Williams is set to make his 50th appearance for the Ospreys as he partners with Owen Watkin in the centre for the third game in succession.
In the back three, Michael Collins gets the start at full back, with George North and Luke Morgan on the wings.
Gareth Anscombe returns from his long-term injury to take up a place on a strong Ospreys bench.
Starting XV:
15. Michael Collins
14. George North
13. Owen Watkin
12. Keiran Williams
11. Luke Morgan
10. Owen Williams
9. Rhys Webb
1. Nicky Smith
2. Sam Parry
3. Tomas Francis
4. Adam Beard
5. Alun Wyn Jones
6. Ethan Roots
7. Justin Tipuric ©
8. Morgan Morris
Replacements:
16. Dewi Lake
17. Gareth Thomas
18. Tom Botha
19. Rhys Davies
20. Dan Lydiate
21. Reuben Morgan-Wiliams
22. Gareth Anscombe
23. Iestyn Hopkins
Head coach, Toby Booth, said:
“Saracens are the best team in the Gallagher Premiership at the moment, and real contenders for the Heineken Champions Cup.
“As a team, it’s probably easier to list their weaknesses than their strengths. We know we’re the underdogs, but that tag has served us well so far in the competition. We’ve trained well and we’re prepared for a tough fixture.”