Tandy names team to face Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday night
The Ospreys team to play Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday 7th February, KO 7.35pm, is as follows:
15 Sam Davies
14 Jeff Hassler
13 Jonathan Spratt (Capt)
12 Ashley Beck
11 Aisea Natoga
10 Matthew Morgan
9 Tom Habberfield
1 Duncan Jones
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Aaron Jarvis
4 Lloyd Peers
5 Perry Parker
6 Tyler Ardron
7 Sam Lewis
8 Joe Bearman
REPLACEMENTS
16 Matthew Dwyer
17 Ryan Bevington
18 Dan Suter
19 Dan Baker
20 Morgan Allen
21 Tito Tebaldi
22 Richard Fussell
23 Eli Walker
Perry Parker makes his first Ospreys start
Head Coach Steve Tandy said:
“These next four weeks are massive for us in terms of how the rest of the season plays out, and beyond that, in regards to what we are trying to build here for the longer term, whatever the future holds for Ospreys Rugby.
“The last couple of weeks in the LV= Cup have been a valuable experience for us in terms of getting some meaningful game time for some of the next generation of Ospreys, and there is a lot to be pleased about. The intent and the commitment has been good and that reflected in the way they kept going against Sale last week. We’re trying to grow our attacking threat, and anyone who has watched the last two games will be excited about what the future holds for us.
“In the short term though, the focus is on Ulster this weekend then back-to-back games at the Liberty against Treviso and Munster. Some of the boys who have performed well over the last couple of games will get a chance to show what they can do while we have an experienced core to the group who will have to lead by example.
“Ravenhill is always a very difficult place to go and play, whatever time of the season you go there, but even more so during the international period. They have a strong core that is available to them throughout the season, with some world class overseas players, and that allows them to stay strong during this period. It’s an example of what can be achieved by union and club working together for the good of the game, certainly. We know that it’s going to be a challenge for us but we are up for it and looking forward to getting this period of games started.”
Nineteen players were unavailable for selection due to international duty with Wales, Wales U20 and Wales Sevens
The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:
Dmitri Arhip – Achilles
Andrew Bishop – Back
Hanno Dirksen – Thigh
Tom Isaacs – Ankle
Ben John - Shoulder
Ryan Jones - Hamstring
Tom Smith - Knee