The Ospreys team to play Munster at Irish Independent Park on Sunday 14th February 2016, KO 5.00pm, is as follows:
15 Dan Evans
14 Tom Grabham
13 JJ Engelbrecht
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Ben John
10 Sam Davies
9 Brendon Leonard (Capt)
1 Nicky Smith
2 Sam Parry
3 Dmitri Arhip
4 Rynier Bernardo
5 Rory Thornton
6 Joe Bearman
7 Sam Underhill
8 Dan Baker
REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Otten
17 Gareth Thomas
18 Ma’afu Fia
19 Adam Beard
20 Olly Cracknell
21 Rhys Webb
22 Owen Watkin
23 Tom Habberfield
JJ Engelbrecht will make his first Ospreys start
The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:
Tyler Ardron – Knee
Lloyd Ashley - Knee
Ashley Beck – Knee
Ryan Bevington - Hip
Gareth Delve – Ankle
Hanno Dirksen - Ankle
Jeff Hassler - Thigh
Dafydd Howells – Hamstring
The following players are absent on international duty:
Paul James, Scott Baldwin, Aaron Jarvis, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, James King and Dan Biggar
Ospreys Head Coach, Steve Tandy, said:
“We know the size of the challenge ahead o if we are going to close the gap on the teams above us and we understand what we've got to do collectively, starting this weekend.
“Make no mistake about it we are still in this race. The PRO12 is tighter than ever and we know that with results this season showing that everybody is capable of beating each other, there is everything left to play for. Anything can happen and you can expect to see plenty of movement in the table over the next few weeks as results go one way then another.
“For us it’s about us looking at the remaining fixtures as nine battles that we’ve got to be up for week by week if we are going to achieve our overall aim, starting in Cork on Sunday against the team who are one place above us. We’ve got an exciting young group who are growing in our environment and getting some miles on the clock at the sharp end. They understand what is expected of them within our culture, are striving for excellence and are relentless in what they do. With experience around them in key positions that’s a good mix and the boys are looking forward to the challenge.
“Every point counts now, starting on Sunday, so we know what we’ve got to do.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Fri 19 Feb – 7.05pm KO – Ospreys v Edinburgh – PRO12
Sat 27 Feb – 7.35pm KO – Connacht v Ospreys – PRO12
Sat 5 Mar – 3.00pm KO – Leinster v Ospreys – PRO12
Sat 26 Mar – 3.00pm KO – Ospreys v Scarlets – PRO12