Tandy names Ospreys team for first Domino's Derby clash against the Scarlets on Boxing Day
The Ospreys team to play the Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets on Thursday 26th December, KO 2.00pm, is as follows:
15 Sam Davies
14 Hanno Dirksen
13 Ashley Beck
12 Ben John
11 Jeff Hassler
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Duncan Jones
2 Richard Hibbard
3 Adam Jones
4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
5 James King
6 Joe Bearman
7 Sam Lewis
8 Ryan Jones
REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Baldwin
17 Marc Thomas
18 Aaron Jarvis
19 Ian Evans
20 Morgan Allen
21 Tyler Ardron
22 Tito Tebaldi
23 Tom Isaacs
Head Coach Steve Tandy said:
“It was a good win against Cardiff on Friday night, an important one that gives us some momentum going into the Domino’s Derby Series games against the Scarlets.
“It’s been pleasing over the last couple of weeks to see the number of young Welsh players pulling on the shirt, and they’ve done the region proud, showing that the Ospreys have a bright future. Equally important though has been the role played by some of the experienced players, leaders who bond the group together, and that is why it is so important that we are able to keep these players at the region to give us leadership on and off the field and strength in depth.
“There was a big crowd and a good atmosphere in Cardiff, Boxing Day is heading towards a sell-out with another big crowd at the Liberty next week, which is fantastic for regional rugby. It’s an exciting time of traditional rivalries and history, games that supporters want to see week-in week-out, against familiar old opposition. The numbers coming to these games says it all.
“We’re looking forward to these two games against the Scarlets. Going back-to-back against them is something new and it gives the games an extra bit of spice, as if that’s needed in this derby. It’s a great opportunity for fans to get out and support the cause, really showing what their region means to them.”
The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:
Dmitri Arhip – Achilles
Dan Baker – Shoulder
Ryan Bevington – Dead leg
Andrew Bishop – Back
Aisea Natoga – Laceration to leg
Lloyd Peers - Ankle
Tom Smith – Knee
Justin Tipuric - Hip
Eli Walker - Hamstring
Forthcoming Fixtures
Fri 3 Jan 19.15KO – Ospreys v Scarlets – Domino’s Derby Series
Sun 12 Jan 12.45KO – Ospreys v Northampton Saints – Heineken Cup
Fri 17 Jan 8.00pm KO – Leinster v Ospreys – Heineken Cup