Ospreys team to play Munster

OSPREYS

15 Dan Evans
14 Tom Grabham
13 Jonathan Spratt
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Hanno Dirksen
10 Sam Davies
9 Tom Habberfield

1 Ryan Bevington
2 Scott Otten
3 Aaron Jarvis
4 Lloyd Peers
5 Tyler Ardron
6 James King
7 Justin Tipuric (Capt)
8 Dan Baker

REPLACEMENTS

16 Matthew Dwyer
17 Nicky Smith
18 Dmitri Arhip
19 Rory Thornton
20 Olly Cracknell
21 Morgan Allen
22 Martin Roberts
23 Ben John

The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:

Joe Bearman - Groin
Ashley Beck - Ankle
Rynier Bernardo - Knee
Andrew Bishop - Back
Tevita Cavubati - Shoulder
Cai Griffiths - Bicep
Jeff Hassler - Ligaments
Dafydd Howells - Ankle
Ross Jones - Ankle
Sam Parry - Ankle
De Kock Steenkamp - Achilles
Marc Thomas - Calf
Eli Walker - Cartilage

Scott Baldwin, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar were unavailable for selection due to international duty

Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:

"This is a huge game for us having dropped out of the play-off spots last week. Munster are at the top of the table now and are a quality outfit, so we know that we are going to have to be at our best if we are going to get the performance level needed to ensure we stay in touch after this weekend.

"At the risk of repeating myself and stating the obvious, this is an absolutely crucial period as it always is, a month that can shape how the table looks come the end of the season. We've had some disappointments the last few games but I think week on week there have been clear improvements, to the extent that we should have had more from the Leinster match and were all disappointed at the final week.

"That disappointment has set the tone in training, there was a focus last week that we've carried through to this week, and preparation has been good. The players understand that this is a game where they have to front up, be they the youngsters in the squad or the older, more experienced heads who have a duty to provide the leadership we need on and off the field.

"If we can get the performance level right on Saturday, ensure that we are on top of the factors we can control, then we'll be where we want to be. If the outcome of that is the win, then we'll be in a healthy position for the end of season run-in."

Forthcoming Fixtures
Sat 28 Mar - 7.15pm KO - Ospreys v Zebre - PRO12
Fri 10 Apr - 7.35pm KO - Benetton Treviso v Ospreys - PRO12
Sat 25 Apr - 2.30pm KO - Cardiff Blues v Ospreys - PRO12