Ospreys head coach Mark Jones has made three changes to the side that dramatically beat Scarlets 23-22 nine days ago with late match winner Hopkins coming into the XV for South African Dan Kasende.
After his man-of-the-match performance last time out, Jac Morgan will be looking to continue his strong form as the Wales flanker once again leads out his side for the fierce derby.
The front-row of Gareth Thomas at loosehead, Sam Parry lining up at hooker and Tom Botha are unchanged with Wales captain Dewi Lake’s bicep surgery leaving the him on the sidelines.
Rhys Davies returns from injury to partner James Fender at lock. Morgan lines up at six, veteran Justin Tipuric takes up the other flank, whilst Morgan Morris starts at eight.
Reuben Morgan-Williams has the nod over Kieran Hardy at at scrum half with Dan Edwards continuing at ten. Midfield duties will once again go to Keiran Williams who partners Owen Watkin in the centre.
In the back three, Max Nagy is in for Jack Walsh at full back, with Keelan Giles on one wing and Hopkins on the other.
On the replacements bench there is a welcome boost with versatile forward James Ratti returning from injury to take up a place amongst the 23.
Head coach Mark Jones said:
“It is an opportunity for Max [Nagy]. He hasn’t played as much as he did last year and the reasons around that have been predominantly Jack Walsh’s good form first and foremost.
“He has had some tidy ups defensively, and I felt he has worked hard both off and, on the field, and I thought this guy has worked and now has the opportunity to come back into the team.
“I have complete trust in Max as I have Jack and Iestyn who are primarily covering our back three options at the moment.
“The weather doesn’t look like it is great, and Max is awesome in the air. The same for Iestyn, I think he deserves an opportunity. He has had bits off the bench, and we trust the boys and hopefully have given them the opportunity to set them up to succeed together.”
Ospreys XV to face Cardiff:
15. Max Nagy, 14. Iestyn Hopkins, 13. Owen Watkin, 12. Keiran Williams, 11. Keelan Giles,
10. Dan Edwards, 9. Reuben Morgan-Williams
1. Gareth Thomas, 2. Sam Parry, 3. Tom Botha, 4. Rhys Davies, 5. James Fender, 6. Jac Morgan (captain), 7. Justin Tipuric, 8. Morgan Morris.
Replacements:
16. Lewis Lloyd, 17. Garyn Phillips, 18. Rhys Henry, 19. James Ratti, 20. Morgan Morse, 21. Kieran Hardy, 22. Jack Walsh, 23. Evardi Boshoff.
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
