The Ospreys team to play Cardiff Blues at Liberty Stadium on Friday 7th October, 2016, KO 7.35 pm, is as follows:

15 Dan Evans

14 Jeff Hassler

13 Ben John

12 Josh Matavesi

11 Eli Walker

10 Sam Davies

9 Rhys Webb

1 Nicky Smith

2 Sam Parry

3 Dmitri Arhip

4 Bradley Davies

5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

6 James King

7 Justin Tipuric

8 Dan Baker

REPLACEMENTS

16 Scott Baldwin

17 Paul James

18 Ma’afu Fia

19 Rory Thornton

20 Dan Lydiate

21 Tom Habberfield

22 Dan Biggar

23 Ashley Beck

Paul James will make his 200th Ospreys appearance if he comes off the bench

The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:

Tyler Ardron – Thumb

Hanno Dirksen - Knee

Sam Underhill – Shoulder

Owen Watkin - Knee

Head Coach, Steve Tandy, commented:

“We know that it’s going to be tough this weekend but we are all looking forward to it. The Blues are coming down as favourites, they’ve had a great start to the season and will be confident of getting the win, so we understand that we have to stand up to them and really perform.

“It’s building nicely to be a huge game, a big contest between local rivals in front of a passionate crowd, which is exactly what we want. It’s the kind of occasion that Welsh rugby needs and that everybody wants to be involved in. With the Blues starting the season so well, they have shown what they are capable of and they will want to really push forward this weekend.

“We showed in the second half in Leinster and then for 80 minutes against Ulster that, if we get everything right that we need to, we can compete. It was incredibly disappointing to lose last weekend in the manner we did, but there’s no better game to focus on and get a reaction from the squad than a huge derby match against the Blues.

“October is a busy month for us at the Liberty with two Welsh derbies and a home European Challenge Cup game next week so it’s important that we kick start the month well with a top level performance on Friday night. If we can get the right mix of the defensive strength we showed in Ulster and the clinical attacking edge we have seen, then we’ll be heading in the right direction and, Friday night should be a great contest.”

Forthcoming Fixtures

Fri 14 Oct – 7.05pm KO – Ospreys v Newcastle Falcons – Liberty Stadium – Challenge Cup

Sat 22 Oct – 7.45pm (UK) – Lyon v Ospreys – Matmut Stadium – Challenge Cup

Sat 29 Oct – 3.00pm – Ospreys v NG Dragons – Liberty Stadium – PRO12

Fri 4 Nov – 7.35pm – Munster v Ospreys - Irish Independent Park – PRO12