Team named ahead of return to Bridgend Ford Brewery Field on Friday evening
The Ospreys team to play Sale Sharks at the Bridgend Ford Brewery Field on Friday 31st January, KO 7.30pm, is as follows:
15 Richard Fussell
14 Tom Grabham
13 Jonathan Spratt (Capt)
12 Matthew Jenkins
11 Aisea Natoga
10 Sam Davies
9 Tom Habberfield
1 Nicky Smith
2 Scott Baldwin
3 Dan Suter
4 Lloyd Peers
5 Rhodri Hughes
6 Tyler Ardron
7 Lloyd Evans
8 Dan Baker
REPLACEMENTS
16 Matthew Dwyer
17 Marc Thomas
18 Joe Rees
19 Perry Parker
20 Morgan Allen
21 Arthur Ellis
22 Matthew Morgan
23 Ashley Beck
Head Coach Steve Tandy said:
“We’re all looking forward to going back to Bridgend on Friday night, and hopefully we’ll get another warm welcome and good crowd there showing their support for regional rugby. There has been some fantastic occasions at the Brewery Field with the Ospreys, some great crowds and matches to remember, and we want to make this another occasion that rewards the local community for coming out to support the cause.
“This is an important game for us in terms of building for what is going to be a big few weeks for this group of players. The next month can make or break our campaign in terms of the PRO12 play-offs, with games against Ulster, Treviso, Munster and Edinburgh coming up, so it’s important that we get some momentum going on Friday night that can carry us through these difficult games.
“There’s a youthful look to the line-up again, but with some senior figures coming in to strengthen the team from last weekend. Just as the youngsters have to take the opportunity to show what they can do, the senior players have to take responsibility for leadership of the group at this time. There’s a big onus on them to set the standards for the rest to follow, and to show what being an Osprey is all about.
“Looking back at last weekend’s game in Exeter, there was a lot to be pleased about the performance. There was a good intent about our play and a willingness to work hard against a very strong and physical Exeter team. We moved the ball well and looked very dangerous, but there were areas of the game where we didn’t quite get it right and Exeter took full advantage. This week has been about working on those areas and focussing on getting the performance that we believe can start off this run of games on the right note.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Fri 31 Jan 7.30pm KO – Ospreys v Sale Sharks – LV= Cup
Fri 7 Feb 7.05pm KO – Ulster v Ospreys – PRO12
Sun 16 Feb 4.00pm KO – Ospreys v Benetton Treviso – PRO12
Sun 23 Feb 4.00pm KO – Ospreys v Munster – PRO12
Fri 28 Feb 7.35pm KO - Edinburgh v Ospreys - PRO12
Fri 21 March 7.05pm KO - Ospreys v Cardiff Blues - PRO12