Number eight Morris hasn’t been seen in all black since been taken off the field in the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat to Lyon at the Swansea.com Stadium back in April.
Having undergone an operation on a foot problem prior to Judgement Day back in May, Morris had a set back with a calf problem but now providing a massive boost to Mark Jones’ selection options the double player of the year is ready to make a return.
29-year-old centre Watkin is included in the Ospreys squad for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury while playing for Wales in the 43-0 Six Nations defeat against France in Paris in January. A period of time which the Wales international describes as the hardest time of his rugby career.
“This has been a big week for me after a long time out,” said Watkin ahead of the clash.
“It’s definitely made me a lot more resilient and mentally tough, knowing I’ve probably been through the hardest time of my life in terms of rugby.
“It is motivating knowing I want to get back to the level I was before my injury.
“It was massively important for me to play before the end of the year. When I did the original injury, my goal was to start the season in September. Unfortunately, I had to go out and have another surgery because I’ve had some issues in the knee.
“That was tough to take, considering how I’d done so well with the first rehab. So, to get a couple of games on my belt now, going into the Christmas period, is exciting.”
Head coach Mark Jones has named a much-changed starting XV to face the French strugglers who have just a solitary win to their name this season.
Jones has chosen to rest Wales stars Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas, Dan Edwards, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Rhys Davies, James Ratti and Harri Deaves, with fly-half Jac Walsh leading the side.
Montauban lie bottom of Pool 1 having suffered a heavy 41-17 defeat to Zebre in matchday one, whilst Ospreys late comeback win over Connacht sees them in third position.
Cameron Jones is handed a start at loosehead, with Rhys Henry and Lewis Lloyd completing the front three. Huw Sutton and James Fender start in the second row.
Ross Moriarty lines up at six with Gwilym Evans taking up the other flank. Morgan Morse starts at eight.
Luke Davies is Walsh’s half back partner, whilst Phil Cokanasiga and Evardi Boshoff are charged with midfield duties.
In the back three, Max Nagy gets a rare start at full back, with Keelan Giles returning on one wing with former Scarlet Ryan Conbeer on the other.
“We’ve balanced it similarly to last week where we know we wanted to give some of the guy’s rests,” said Jones.
“Potentially, you will see them [Morris and Watkin] this week, having worked hard with the medics.
“They have had a few little setbacks from their initial injuries and picked up a few bits and pieces along the way that have delayed their returns.
“They have had to be patient, but the work that they have been doing with the staff is really strong, and have been training with us for the last few weeks. We are looking forward to having them add to our selection headaches over the next block.
“Not only are they very good players, but they also command the respect of the group being Osprey men through and through with their actions.
“Europe is a great opportunity to play and have so many memories. It is a great competition where you come across some big names and battles between opposition and individual battles.
“The players feel they have done well in Europe in previous seasons and will want to go one better.
“But we know we need to keep the competition and the energy high in the squad by rotating because these games are going to come thick and fast.
“We’ve been looking at them [Montauban] for a week or two at their strengths and weaknesses. We know is that they are typically French, strong at the set-piece and big and physical.
“They attack the game line a lot with their big carriers and are very dangerous.
“They have been playing in a league which is very physical and set piece dominant so we know they will come strong in those areas as well.
“We have done our homework, but there has also been a focus on our own players and how we want to play the game to impact the fixture.
“Getting a performance will be the key thing. Hopefully, then the results will sit in the right place, and we will have enough points to get to where we want to be.”
Ospreys XV to face Montauban:
Max Nagy, Ryan Conbeer, Evardi Boshoff, Phil Cokanasigsa, Keelan Giles, Jack Walsh (captain), Luke Davies, Cameron Jones, Lewis Lloyd, Rhys Henry, Huw Sutton, James Fender, Ross Moriarty, Gwilym Evans, Morgan Morse.
Replacements: Efan Daniel, Steff Thomas, Kian Hire, Lewis Jones, Morgan Morris, Keiran Hardy, Owen Watkin, Iestyn Hopkins.
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
