Ospreys team to play Newcastle Falcons

The Ospreys team to play Newcastle Falcons at Liberty Stadium on Friday 14th October, 2016, KO 7.05 pm, is as follows:

15 Dan Evans

14 Dafydd Howells

13 Ben John

12 Ashley Beck

11 Eli Walker

10 Dan Biggar

9 Rhys Webb

 

1 Paul James

2 Scott Baldwin

3 Maafu Fia

4 Rory Thornton

5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

6 Dan Lydiate

7 Justin Tipuric

8 Dan Baker

 

REPLACEMENTS 

16 Sam Parry

17 Gareth Thomas

18 Rhodri Jones

19 Lloyd Ashley

20 James King

21 Tom Habberfield

22 Sam Davies

23 Josh Matavesi

 

Rhodri Jones will make his Ospreys debut if he comes off the bench

Sam Parry will make his 50th Ospreys appearance if he comes off the bench

 

The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:

Tyler Ardron Thumb

Hanno Dirksen Knee

Jeff Hassler - Achilles

Sam Underhill Shoulder

Owen Watkin - Knee

 

Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:

We cant wait to get started. Its crucial that we start the campaign positively. Newcastle have done well so far this season in the Aviva and are up in the top half of the table so theyll be confident coming to the Liberty. We know to expect a tough, physical challenge, which is what youd expect, but they also like to move the ball.

Its not about picking up where we left off against the Blues last week as we were disappointed to let them in for a couple of cheap tries at the end. We want the cutting edge and the accuracy that we showed in attack, but we have to be more clinical defensively, tighten up, or well be punished.

We know that out supporters will do their bit on Friday night as they always do. Thats big for us, they can play their part in pushing us on when the going gets tough, as it will. They created a great atmosphere for the team at the Blues match and the boys responded. We need more of the same.

With a couple of trips to France to follow, its important that we get our performance right and thats been a key message this week in training. The response has been good, everybody knows whats required, now weve got to deliver.

 

Forthcoming Fixtures 

Sat 22 Oct 7.45pm (UK) Lyon v Ospreys Matmut Stadium Challenge Cup

Sat 29 Oct 3.00pm Ospreys v NG Dragons Liberty Stadium PRO12

Fri 4 Nov 7.35pm Munster v Ospreys  - Irish Independent Park PRO12

Fri 11 Nov 7.35pm Ospreys v Harlequins St Helens Anglo Welsh Cup