Tandy puts faith in Lewis

Sam Warburton will be hoping to rediscover some form for the Blues after a quiet start to the season, while Justin Tipuric is still a doubt for Ospreys after his concussion in the round four victory over Munster.

Warren Gatland is certain to pay close attention to the GUINNESS PRO12 east-west Wales derby ahead of the autumn internationals, and if Tipuric is ruled out Sam Lewis is likely to be given the chance to throw his hat in the ring for a spot in the Wales side.

Yet to lose in 15 welsh derbies as Ospreys' coach, Tandy remained confident he had ample cover for the GUINNESS PRO12 clash with Tipuric unable to train fully for almost two weeks.

"We are comfortable whoever wears the No. 7 shirt," Tandy told the Southwales Evening Post.

"It's a squad. I'm sure all the supporters and TV viewers would like to see Warburton against Tips but we are pretty happy with Sam Lewis as well.

"If Sam was out there playing against Warburton, we'd be pretty content. It'll be a good joust whoever is at openside.

"Warburton is an outstanding player who's good over the ball and physically exceptional. But we have Tips, Sammy Lew and James King, who's done a really good job for us at seven.

"The Blues also have good coverage there with Josh Navidi so it will be a good battle."

Meanwhile Tandy added that he does not think Adam Jones will get a poor reception on his first return to the Liberty Stadium.

Even though the 33-year-old prop's controversial switch to Ospreys' rivals went down poorly with a section of their support, Tandy believes the fans will reward Jones with a homecoming worthy of his 11 years at the club.
He said: "At the end of the day, he was a great servant for the Ospreys.

"Obviously it's a new chapter for him now. I don't expect anything different from the crowd. But when the whistle goes, they will be rooting for us.

"Whenever Adam goes on the field, he's looking to challenge the opposition, so I don't think it will be any different come Sunday.

"It will be a unique experience for him to come back home. But he's a professional, he's played in a lot of environments, so he'll be doing the best he can for himself and his team."

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