Looking to avenge the 61-24 defeat to Bulls in Pretoria in April, head coach Toby Booth has made three changes in all to the side that was whitewashed 23-0 in Ireland against Munster last weekend.
Former captain Justin Tipuric brings welcome experience and power back in the forward line to face Jake White’s South African powerhouses.
In an unchanged front-row, Gareth Thomas starts at loosehead, Dewi Lake lines up at hooker with Tom Botha at three.
Adam Beard’s continues in the second-row with utility man James Ratti moving back to lock.
Captain Jac Morgan is at six, with veteran Tipuric occupying the other flank. Morris continues at eight on his landmark match .
Reuben Morgan-Williams is at scrum-half and is partnered once more at half-back with exciting youngster Dan Edwards at ten.
Kieran Williams comes back in to partner Owen Watkin in midfield after being rotated last week at centre.
In the back three, Jack Walsh is at full-back with the wings occupied by Ryan Conbeer and Iestyn Hopkins.
On the bench Booth has Will Greatbanks and Kieran Hardy both available to take up spots and will be in line to make their Ospreys debuts.
Head Coach, Toby Booth, said:
“When you play South African teams, you know you’re going to be in for a physical encounter. You can’t look too far past the physical side of the breakdown.
“Last time we played them out there, we did some nice stuff, but we weren’t accurate enough and played a big price. I know the boys will be energised and up for this one but it’s important that we have the end product to show for that.
“Morgan [Morris] is one of my own and a shining example of an academy product.
“I’ve seen him grow and mature into a player that is now more vocal, a leader and adding different things to his game, both with and without the ball,” he said.
“You don’t get 100 caps in this league by accident and for him to do it in such a short time is a testament to him as a person and his dedication.”
Ospreys XV to face Bulls:
Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake, Tom Botha, James Ratti, Adam Beard, Jac Morgan (captain), Justin Tipuric, Morgan Morris
Jack Walsh, Iestyn Hopkins, Kieran Williams, Owen Watkin, Ryan Conbeer; Dan Edwards, Reuben Morgan-Williams.
Replacements:
Sam Parry, Garyn Phillips, Ben Warren, Lewis Jones, Will Greatbanks, Kieran Hardy, Luke Scully, Jack Walsh.
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
