Ospreys announce team to face Cardiff

The Ospreys have named their squad for their New Year’s Day fixture against Cardiff Rugby in the BKT URC. The fixture will take place at Cardiff Arms Park and is kicking off on Wednesday 1^st January at 3pm.

Jac Morgan is set to captain the side.

Gareth Thomas starts for the Ospreys at loosehead, with Sam Parry lining up at hooker and Tom Botha completing the front three.

Rhys Davies returns from injury to partner James Fender at lock. Jac Morgan lines up at six, Justin Tipuric takes up the other flank and Morgan Morris starts at eight.

Reuben Morgan-Williams starts at scrum half with Dan Edwards at 10. Keiran Williams partners Owen Watkin in the centre.

In the back three, Max Nagy starts at full back, with Keelan Giles on one wing and Iestyn Hopkins on the other.

James Ratti also returns from injury to take up a place on the bench.

Starting XV:

15. Max Nagy

14. Iestyn Hopkins

13. Owen Watkin

12. Keiran Williams

11. Keelan Giles

10. Dan Edwards

9. Reuben Morgan-Williams 

1. Gareth Thomas

2. Sam Parry

3. Tom Botha

4. Rhys Davies

5. James Fender

6. Jac Morgan ©

7. Justin Tipuric

8. Morgan Morris

Replacements:

16. Lewis Lloyd

17. Garyn Phillips

18. Rhys Henry

19. James Ratti

20. Morgan Morse

21. Kieran Hardy

22. Jack Walsh

23. Evardi Boshoff

Head Coach, Mark Jones, said: “Both teams will be on a high after the first round Christmas derbies and we’re expecting another close fought fixture in this one.

“Cardiff have had a strong start to the season and will be looking to build on that, but our focus is on our own performance and giving a strong account of ourselves on the day.”

Unavailable: Dewi Lake, Huw Sutton, Adam Beard, Liam Edwards, Harri Deaves, Phil Cokanasiga, Luke Scully, Tom Florence, Connor Moyse.