The Ospreys team to play the Scarlets at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday 27th December 2016, KO 3.00pm, is as follows:
15 Sam Davies
14 Keelan Giles
13 Ashley Beck
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Dan Evans
10 Dan Biggar
9 Brendon Leonard
1 Nicky Smith
2 Sam Parry
3 Ma’afu Fia
4 Rory Thornton
5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
6 James King
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Dan Baker
REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Baldwin
17 Paul James
18 Rhodri Jones
19 Lloyd Ashley
20 Olly Cracknell
21 Sam Underhill
22 Tom Habberfield
23 Kieron Fonotia
The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:
Tyler Ardron - Thumb
Dmitri Arhip - Shoulder
Bradley Davies - Knee
Tom Grabham – Shin/Knee
Jeff Hassler – Achilles
Ben John – Groin
Dan Lydiate - Knee
Eli Walker - Foot
Owen Watkin – Knee
Rhys Webb – Ankle
Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:
“It’s fantastic to see that we’ve got such a big crowd confirmed for Tuesday. This game means so much to our supporters and it’s going to be a huge occasion for them to enjoy.
“The Scarlets have been in great form, in the PRO12 and in Europe, with a big win last week against Toulon so will justifiably come here full of confidence. That’s something we’ll have to deal with.
“There’s a lot spoken and written around this time of year about local rivalries and derby matches so it’s easy to get caught up in it and get carried away. Whatever happens on Tuesday, it’s only the halfway point of the season so nothing will be sorted. We have to keep the game in context if we want to achieve anything and be where we want to be in May. There’s no point putting everything into this one then slipping up against the Dragons and Connacht. We have to look at it that way.
“Like any derby with a big crowd there’ll be a great atmosphere, it’ll be physical, fast and furious, and we are going have to be 100 per cent focused on the job. We are looking forward to it, you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t, but we’ve got a job to do so have to be totally professional and make sure we are focused.
“The boys understand that and have been spot on with their attitude. Now they have to take that into match day, and ensure we get the job done.”
Forthcoming Fixtures
Sun 1 Jan – 5.05pm – Dragons v Ospreys – Rodney Parade – PRO12
Sat 7 Jan – 1.30pm – Ospreys v Connacht – Liberty Stadium – PRO12
Sun 15 Jan – 3.00pm – Ospreys v Lyon – Liberty Stadium – ERCC
Sat 21 Jan – 5.00pm – Newcastle Falcons v Ospreys – Kingston Park - ERCC