In a timely boost, second-row Fender’s return is just the news head coach Toby Booth would have been looking for after revealing yesterday that fellow lock Adam Beard faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Ospreys come into the match full of confidence off the back of a morale-boosting 22-13 victory over Edinburgh last time out before the international break but will be without their Wales contingent who have not travelled to Italy.
The win took the Welsh region off the foot of the table a position taken by the Italians having picked up just a solitary victory this season.
Looking to carry on momentum into the second block, the former London Irish coach is hopeful that after a reset in the international break, his side can start climbing the URC table starting with a positive result in the northern Emilia-Romagna region.
Booth though is well aware of the physicality the Italians will bring and having beaten Munster already this season at the Sergio Lanfranchi and admits his side will have to be at their best to get a result.
“It’s nice having a break in the season, especially when you are pretty depleted,” said Booth in his pre-match conference.
“It gives you a chance to recharge both mentally and physically because you are putting a lot of the load into the same players.
“It was good to get the win in Edinburgh to get some momentum into this second block. We are looking forward now to getting going again against Zebre this week.
“We’ve got what we’ve got [this weekend] and the attitude is we will do what we can do, and drip feed the returning guys back.
“The boys who put the shirt on I know will give it their everything and their very best. That’s all we can ask.
“They [Zebre] were really tough at home last year. They have had a reset and the season starts again.
“I don’t think there is much between a lot of the teams. Often it is about how you apply yourself on the day and what you have available.
“Obviously, they will have Italian players that are coming back or not coming back which affects as well.
“They are at home to start block two and will be full of enthusiasm because they will want to get their season on track too. From that point of view, it will be tough.”
The match will see Keelan Giles make his 100th appearance for the Ospreys.
Garyn Phillips starts for the Ospreys at loosehead, with Sam Parry lining up at hooker and Tom Botha completing the front three.
Fender returns from injury to partner Will Greatbanks at lock. Harry Deaves lines up at six, Justin Tipuric takes up the other flank and Morgan Morris starts at eight.
Kieran Hardy gets the nod at scrum-half with Owen Williams in the ten jersey. Keiran Williams partners Owen Watkin in the centre.
In the back three, Jack Walsh starts at full back, with Dan Kasende and Keelan Giles starting on the wings.
Whilst having Fender back is a massive boost for his physical presence, Booth feels the Ospreys will have to be cautious with the youngster’s game time after spending a significant period on the sidelines.
“We have had to adapt a little bit, and you saw that a lot in the Edinburgh game where we had to be a bit smarter because we didn’t have the same resources that we normally have,” continued Booth.
“The big downer is Adam Beard’s injury which is going to be a long-term one.
“He’s out for at least three months. That is the biggest kick in the teeth because he is such an important part of what we do.
“To not have him around for Europe is difficult, but it provides an opportunity for other boys to step up.
“James Fender is back which is good, and Rhys Davies isn’t too far away so we just have to weather the storm for a little bit longer.
“We need to be mindful of the injuries he [James Fender] has had and manage our expectations around him. He is effectively a very young player who has had a breakthrough season of ten games.
“He is though a physical specimen that can impose himself both in a set-piece and defensively. He is a big man.
“This week was about establishing which players were mentally and physically available to produce. It is all very well being back, but you have to produce and be fair to the team and the players they are replacing.
“Some are going to participate, and some are not but everyone should be back on deck for Europe for the start of the week.”
Ospreys XV to face Zebre:
Jack Walsh, Dan Kasende, Owen Watkin, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles, Owen Williams, Kieran Hardy
Garyn Phillips, Sam Parry, Tom Botha, James Fender, Will Greatbanks, Harri Deaves, Justin Tipuric, Morgan Morris (captain).
Replacements
Lewis Lloyd, Steffan Thomas, Ben Warren, Lewis Jones, Tristan Davies, Luke Davies, Iestyn Hopkins, Max Nagy.
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
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