Ospreys

Morris to lead Ospreys against Hollywoodbets Sharks

Back-row Morgan Morris will skipper the Ospreys tomorrow night against South African side Hollywoodbets Sharks in Round 3 of the BKT URC at the Twickenham Stoop.

Published

1 month ago

2nd November 2023

Richard Bond

Morris leads the Ospreys side in the London encounter in the absence of regular captain Justin Tipuric who starts in the controversial Barbarians match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Fresh from his side’s first victory of the season, head-coach Toby Booth has named a side showing four changes from the 34-31 triumph against Zebre, with a debut handed to new signing Toby Fricker.

Garyn Phillips starts at loosehead, with Ethan Lewis lining up at hooker and Tom Botha completing the front three.

Rhys Davies partners with James Fender in the second row, preferred to Hugh Sutton. In the back row, Harri Deaves gets his first start of the season with James Ratti taking up the other flanker spot, whilst Morris starts at eight.

Reuben Morgan-Williams lines up at scrum half, with Owen Williams starting at 10. Owen Watkin partners Keiran Williams in the centre in the absence of Mat Protheroe.

In the back three, Jack Walsh starts at full back, with Fricker and Luke Morgan on the wings.

Ospreys XV:

15. Jack Walsh, 14. Luke Morgan, 13. Keiran Williams, 12. Owen Watkin, 11. Toby Fricker,

10. Owen Williams, 9. Reuben Morgan-Williams

1. Garyn Phillips, 2. Ethan Lewis, 3. Tom Botha, 4. Rhys Davies, 5. James Fender,

6. James Ratti, 7. Harri Deaves, 8. Morgan Morris (captain).

Replacements:

16. Lewis Lloyd, 17. Rhys Henry, 18. Ben Warren, 19. Lewis Jones, 20. Morgan Morse,

21. Luke Davies, 22. Max Nagy, 23. Luke Scully.

Head Coach, Toby Booth, said:

“The Sharks are a different looking team to what they have been in recent seasons. They’re prepared to attack a lot more, from different areas of the pitch, whilst still bringing that physicality you expect from a South African side.

“They’ve had a tough start to their season, having to travel away to Munster and Leinster, but we’re under no illusions that they’ll be looking to bounce back in this one. We’re looking forward to what is set to be a big fixture in London.”

[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]