Ospreys team to play Zebre

2nd October

Rugby

The team for Friday night's game against Zebre has been confirmed.

The Ospreys team to face Zebre at Stadio XXV Aprile, on Friday 3^rd October 2014, KO 7.35pm, is as follows:

15 Dan Evans

14 Jeff Hassler

13 Jonathan Spratt (Capt)

12 Josh Matavesi

11 Hanno Dirksen

10 Dan Biggar

9 Martin Roberts

1 Nicky Smith

2 Scott Baldwin

3 Dmitri Arhip

4 Lloyd Peers

5 Rynier Bernardo

6 Joe Bearman

7 James King

8 Morgan Allen

REPLACEMENTS

16 Sam Parry

17 Duncan Jones

18 Cai Griffiths

19 Alun Wyn Jones

20 Sam Lewis

21 Rhys Webb

22 Sam Davies

23 Andrew Bishop

Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:

“This is another test for us, another 80 minutes where we will find out a lot about the character of this squad. It was a good result in Munster and the attitude and desire displayed was first class. However, it wasn’t all good, and after the match there was a realisation that ill discipline could have lost us that game.

“There’s been a lot of hard work and some home truths spoken this week, to make sure everyone realises where we need to improve going into this game. In fairness to the group, they are well aware of the need to keep striving for improvement and there is a good attitude in the squad. If we can harness that, keep working hard as a collective, then the squad can continue improving week on week.

“Zebre will be in a good place after their win over Ulster. Having suffered there at the end of last season we know what they are all about and that result didn’t come as a surprise to us. We know that the start we’ve had means nothing when the boys cross the white line on Friday night. We’re expecting a tough, physical contest, and they have some extremely dangerous players so if we aren’t focused on the job in hand they will cause some real damage. It’ll be another fantastic experience for the youngsters in the team, another environment to challenge them, and we’re going there with feet planted firmly on the ground.”