Ospreys team to play Castres

5th December

Rugby

Tandy names Ospreys team for Castres Heineken Cup clash

The Ospreys team to play Castres at Stade Pierre Antoine on Friday 6^th December, KO 9.00pm (local time), is as follows:

15 Richard Fussell

14 Aisea Natoga

13 Tom Isaacs

12 Ben John

11 Jeff Hassler

10 Dan Biggar

9 Rhys Webb

1 Ryan Bevington

2 Scott Baldwin

3 Aaron Jarvis

4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

5 James King

6 Tyler Ardron

7 Justin Tipuric

8 Ryan Jones

REPLACEMENTS

16 Richard Hibbard

17 Duncan Jones

18 Dan Suter

19 Morgan Allen

20 Sam Lewis

21 Tom Habberfield

22 Matthew Morgan

23 Tom Grabham

Aisea Natoga makes his Heineken Cup debut

Tyler Ardron makes his first Heineken Cup start

Dan Suter will make his Heineken Cup debut if he comes off the bench

Head Coach Steve Tandy said:

“Facing the French champions back to back is always going to be a tough ask, but it’s an exciting challenge that we are looking forward to. You do look at the seedings and wonder how the French champions can be the fourth seeds in the pool, but we can’t dwell on things like that, we’ve got to just get on with the job.

“Obviously we’ve been hit by injuries again and preparation time has been hindered by the fourth international, but that’s part of the challenge as a region. With players unavailable it provides opportunities for others and we’ve got boys who have put their hands up in recent weeks and who have earned the right to be involved.

“Castres are back up at the top end of the table so their quality is absolutely clear. After a disappointing opening two rounds we know that we’ve got to put in some excellent performances over the next two weekends and that’s what we are targeting. We know there’s going to be a great atmosphere there as is always the case in France but we’ve got to stand up and be counted. Although training time for the Wales boys has been limited there’s a great attitude and spirit among the group and we need to show the utmost professionalism as a group.

“With back to back fixtures, Castres will be at the Liberty next weekend for round two and that is going to be a great evening for everybody involved with the Ospreys. Hopefully we’ll have a big crowd of our own to get behind the boys and show that we can create our own fantastic atmosphere here in Ospreylia.”

The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:

Dmitri Arhip – Achilles

Dan Baker – Shoulder

Joe Bearman - Elbow

Ashley Beck – Hip

Andrew Bishop - Back

Adam Jones - Calf

Lloyd Peers - Ankle

Tom Smith – Knee

Jonathan Spratt - Wrist

Eli Walker - Hamstring

Ian Evans has remained at home to be with his wife who is due to give birth