Tandy on the lookout for future Ospreys stars

The GUINNESS PRO12 leaders, without a handful of Welsh internationals at their disposal, visit Gloucester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

Both teams have named a youthful line-up and after the likes of Justin Tipuric, James King, Nicky Smith and Scott Baldwin each made their name in this competition, head coach Tandy is excited to see who is next in line to impress.

He said: "We have players away on international duty so we have to look at the ones coming into the squad over the next couple of months to step up and take what is a great opportunity for them to shine in an Ospreys
shirt.

"Traditionally, we've seen relatively unknown youngsters really come to public attention during this time of year, people like Tipuric, King, Smith and Baldwin, who have come through our development pathway and used the opportunity to really kick on as players.

"We need some of the next generation to make a similar impact now that they are going to get their chance in the jersey."

And with the internationals set to miss a handful of fixtures in the coming weeks, Tandy insists his young Ospreys will have a huge say in the region's fortunes when the GUINNESS PRO12 returns in a fortnight.

"This group of players will have a major say in how our season plays out," he added. "Once these two games are out of the way, we face the other three teams in the PRO12 top four, plus in-form Edinburgh.

"There's no doubt it's a massive period for everybody at the Ospreys and it's crucial that we focus on controlling the areas that are under our control."

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