Ospreys team to play Ulster

The Ospreys team to play Ulster at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday 1st October, 2016, KO 6.30 pm, is as follows:

 

15 Dan Evans

14 Jeff Hassler

13 Ben John

12 Josh Matavesi

11 Eli Walker

10 Dan Biggar

9 Rhys Webb

 

1 Nicky Smith

2 Sam Parry

3 Dmitri Arhip

4 Bradley Davies

5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

6 James King

7 Justin Tipuric

8 Dan Baker

 

REPLACEMENTS

16 Scott Baldwin

17 Paul James

18 Maafu Fia

19 Rory Thornton

20 Olly Cracknell

21 Tyler Ardron

22 Tom Habberfield

23 Sam Davies

 

Nicky Smith makes his 50th Ospreys appearance

 

The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:

Hanno Dirksen - Knee

Sam Underhill Shoulder

Owen Watkin - Knee

 

Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:

It was extremely disappointing last weekend in Dublin, a frustrating evening all round, but we have to react positively. We were up against a very good Leinster team but we didnt impose ourselves on the game in the first half like we have done this season, away to Connacht in particular. When you look at the penalty count and error rate in the first half, there is the story of the game. 

We need to be better in all aspects if were going to get anything this Saturday. Start like that again and well have the same result. Ulster is always a tough place to go and we know what to expect, but it shows how the PRO12 is growing and getting more competitive when every week you are faced with a real challenge. 

It doesnt get any easier, with the Blues at home after this one, but we have to thrive on the challenge if we want to achieve what we want to this season.  Its still early days yet, weve had a positive start to the season with three wins from four, but theres a long way to go still so well head out to Belfast knowing that we have to keep working hard, keep improving, and if we get everything in order then we can look to keep pushing at the top end of the PRO12.

 

Forthcoming Fixtures

Fri 7 Oct 7.35pm KO Ospreys v Cardiff Blues Liberty Stadium PRO12

Fri 14 Oct 7.05pm KO Ospreys v Newcastle Falcons Liberty Stadium Challenge Cup

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