Ospreys announce team to face Dragons

Ospreys have named their squad to face the Dragons in Round 5 of the BKT URC. The game will take place at Rodney Parade and is kicking off on Saturday 17th November at 17:15pm.

Wales co-captains, Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan both make the squad for the Welsh derby.

Nicky Smith starts at loosehead, with Dewi lining up at hooker and Tom Botha completing the front three.

Rhys Davies partners with Adam Beard at lock for the second successive week. In the back row, James Ratti gets the start, with Justin Tipuric in the seven jersey as captain and Morgan Morris starting at eight.

Reuben Morgan-Williams lines up at scrum half, with Jack Walsh starting at 10. Owen Watkin partners with George North in the centre.

In the back three, Max Nagy starts at full back, with Mat Protheroe and Luke Morgan on the wings.

Daniel Kasende, on loan from the Cheetahs, takes up a place on the bench and could be in line for his first Ospreys appearance.

Sam Parry and Gareth Thomas also make the bench in what looks to be a strong set of replacements for the Ospreys.

Starting XV:

15. Max Nagy

14. Luke Morgan

13. George North

12. Owen Watkin

11. Mat Protheroe

10. Jack Walsh

9. Reuben Morgan-Williams

1. Nicky Smith

2. Dewi Lake

3. Tom Botha

4. Rhys Davies

5. Adam Beard

6. James Ratti

7. Justin Tipuric ©

8. Morgan Morris

Replacements:

16. Sam Parry

17. Gareth Thomas

18. Ben Warren

19. James Fender

20. Jac Morgan

21. Luke Davies

22. Daniel Kasende

23. Luke Scully

Head Coach, Toby Booth, said:

“Rodney Parade is a tough place to go. We know they’re coming off a disappointing result and it’s a Welsh Derby so there are plenty of emotions kicking about. Derbies can be scrappy affairs; you have to maintain your concentration and do the basics well.

“There were areas of our game that we were disappointed with last week and we’ll be looking to correct that against the Dragons.”