Ospreys announce team to face Cardiff Rugby NYD fixture

The Ospreys have named their squad to face Cardiff Rugby in Round 9 of the BKT URC. The game will take place at the Dunraven Brewery Field and is kicking off on Monday the 1st of January at 3pm.

Adam Beard will captain the side for the third game in succession.

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

James Fender partners with Adam Beard at lock. James Ratti lines up at six, with Harri Deaves on the other flank and Morgan Morse starting at eight.

Luke Davies gets the start at scrum half, with Owen Williams partnering at 10. Owen Watkin starts with George North in the centres.

In the back three, Jack Walsh starts at full back, with Keelan Giles on one wing and Iestyn Hopkins on the other

Owen Watkin is set to make his 100th appearance for the Ospreys.

Starting XV:

15. Jack Walsh

14. Iestyn Hopkins

13. George North

12. Owen Watkin (100th cap)

11. Keelan Giles 

10. Owen Williams

9. Luke Davies

1. Gareth Thomas

2. Sam Parry

3. Tom Botha

4. James Fender

5. Adam Beard ©

6. James Ratti

7. Harri Deaves

8. Morgan Morse

Replacements:

16. Dewi Lake

17. Garyn Phillips

18. Rhys Henry

19. Lewis Jones

20. Tristan Davies

21. Cameron Jones

22. Dan Edwards

23. Luke Morgan

Head Coach, Toby Booth, said:

“Cardiff are playing very well at the moment. They’ve put in some top performances in recent weeks.

“We need to be very sharp, especially from a defensive standpoint. They pose an attacking threat and they’re going to kick the ball a lot so it’s important we maintain things on our terms.”