In a shake up of the front-row, Nicky Smith comes back in for international teammate Gareth Thomas at loosehead, there is a first start since January for Dewi Lake who lines up at hooker whilst Rhys Henry is preferred to Tom Botha at three.
Adam Beard’s season ending injury suffered against the Bulls means a shake up in the second-row with utility man forming a new partnership with Hugh Sutton at lock. Harri Deaves is back in at six, with captain Justin Tipuric occupying the other flank. In form Morgan Morris continues at eight.
Reuben Morgan-Williams comes back in at scrum-half and is partnered at half-back with exciting youngster Dan Edwards at ten. Kieran Williams and Owen Watkin continue their partnership looking after midfield duties at centre.
In an unchanged back three, Max Nagy is at full-back with the wings occupied by Keelan Giles and Luke Morgan.
In a strong bench, Morgan makes his long awaited return. Tom Botha also returns from suspension and is joined by Wales internationals Gareth Thomas and Sam Parry.
Ospreys starting XV
15. Max Nagy, 14. Luke Morgan, 13. Kieran Williams ,12. Owen Watkin, 11. Keelan Giles,
10. Dan Edwards, 9. Rueben Morgan-Williams
1. Nicky Smith, 2. Dewi Lake, 3. Rhys Henry, 4. James Ratti, 5. Huw Sutton, 6. Harri Deaves,
7. Justin Tipuric (captain), 8. Morgan Morris.
Replacements:
16. Sam Parry, 17. Gareth Thomas,18. Tom Botha,19. Victor Sekekete, 20. Jac Morgan,
21. Luke Davies, 22. Jack Walsh , 23. Evardi Boshoff.
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
