Scarlets vs Ospreys - THE BIG DERBY TEAMS ANNOUNCED and live match-day thread

[Smirnoffpriest]

First topic message reminder :

RaboDirect Pro12: Scarlets v Ospreys
Venue: Parc y Scarlets, LlanelliDate: Friday, 21 September
Kick-off: 19:05 BST
TEAMS ANNOUNCED

Scarlets team v Ospreys Friday 21st September 2012, Parc y Scarlets kick-off 7.05pm:
15 Liam Williams, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Scott Williams, 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Tavis Knoyle, 1 Phil John, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 George Earle, 5 Richard Kelly, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 Josh Turnbull, 8 Rob McCusker (capt).
Replacements:
16 Matthew Rees, 17 Peter Edwards, 18 Samson Lee, 19 Sione Timani, 20 Johnathan Edwards, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Aled Thomas, 23 Gareth Maule.

Ospreys15 Richard Fussell 14 Hanno Dirksen 13 Tom Isaacs 12 Andrew Bishop 11 Tom Grabham 10 Dan Biggar 9 Kahn Fotuali'i 1 Duncan Jones 2 Richard Hibbard 3 Aaron Jarvis 4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt) 5 Ian Evans 6 George Stowers 7 Justin Tipuric 8 Joe Bearman
REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Baldwin 17 Ryan Bevington 18 Joe Rees 19 Jonathan Thomas 20 Ryan Jones 21 Rhys Webb 22 Matthew Morgan 23 Jonathan Spratt

Ospreys coach Steve Tandy is hoping his players use the occasion of Friday's Welsh derby at Scarlets to put a dismal start to the season behind them.
But Tandy hopes the 21 September clash with unbeaten west Wales rivals Scarlets will provide a turning point.
"We've always performed in derbies, we're a pretty proud bunch and I know that they'll be hurting," said Tandy.
"So there's probably no better game for us than going down to the Scarlets and hopfully prove a point... really show that we are still a decent team, and get those basic areas of our game right.

An opening defeat away at Treviso - Ospreys' first loss to an Italian side - was followed by a home loss to Ulster and then another humbling at their Liberty Stadium home by Glasgow.

Scarlets' start to the season, in contrast to Ospreys, has been impressive and the Parc y Scarlets side sit unbeaten at the top of the Pro12 table with victories over Leinster, Glasgow and Connacht.

PS - THERE MAY BE A TRIBUTE TO NEVIN, GRAHAM AND NOEL SPENCE. I am unsure of the details but have heard that the crowd and announcer may sing Stand Up for the Ulstermen before the Scarlets/Ospreys game.

Could anyone with more/definate information comment please?

[Morgannwg]

Yep, I remember it was the total opposite all over the park for the Scarlets a few years ago. Now they can put out two strong teams. Got to hand it to Nigel for building them, and at the time I criticised him and the Region for being so poor out on the pitch. I was wrong. Now there's potential to be a European force there.

[maestegmafia]

Not looking forward to this.

Why still persisting with Fussell pretending to be a fullback...?

[Breadvan]

This is where letting go of SO many players in the close season will cost the O's. Watermayer,Owen,Prydie et al. I predict a scarlets win, hopefully not by too much. This is the least looked forward to derby that I can remember from our pov. In fact far from heading west, I'm going east tonight. 50p a ride at Porthcawls coney beach fair!

[ScarletSpiderman]

I think we actually have the edge in nearly every shirt, that must be a first.

Except the front row, second row, 7 and most of the bench. I still think the Scarlets will win but if the Ospreys forwards turn up and play 10 man rugby it could be close. I suspect Stowers will be off at half time and replaced by R Jones, from a Scarlets point of view I would prefer Edwards to start to win ball on the ground.

NOt sure I agree with that.

Manu beats Jarvis hands down,
Phil John and Duncan are about even, maybe Duncan edges it,
Ken is better than Hibbard, but I will except arguements either way
Earle and Kelly have had a good start to the season and seem decent, although AWJ and Evans are better
Tipuric is better than Turnbull, but Turnbull, SHingler and McCusker is a far better unit than the Ospreys are feilding.

Then lets look at the bench

Matthew Rees or Baldwin, mmmm
Bevington is better than Samson
Pete Edwards is better than Jo Rees
Timani is no worse than JT, possibly better
Ryan Jones is returning from injury, but a better all round player than Jon Eds
Davies is not as good as Webb, but better than him this season
Aled Thomas is more experienced and calm, but Morgan is more skillful
Maule kicks ten shades of poop out of Spratt

So I personally believe that we have the better quality bench, and looking at the position covered by the bench I would also say that the Scarlets bench is more veristile too.

[gowales]

How many Welsh caps does Phil have again?

[Smirnoffpriest]

This is where letting go of SO many players in the close season will cost the O's. Watermayer,Owen,Prydie et al. I predict a scarlets win, hopefully not by too much. This is the least looked forward to derby that I can remember from our pov. In fact far from heading west, I'm going east tonight. 50p a ride at Porthcawls coney beach fair!

I know, I can understand letting Hook, Byrne, Phillips and Bowe go, but when you've lost those players and the amount of back 3 players, why let go Prydie and Barrie Davies? and why let Watermayer go when you're so short in the centre?

Also big shame that they've lost both of Bennett and Mefin Davies - even though I've never liked Bennett he was playing well and was experienced, as when Hibbert is away with Wales they only have inexperienced options to replace him.

[gowales]

To be honest this is quite possibly the worst Ospreys back line i've ever seen.

[Breadvan]

I can understand the big earners like Hooky,Byrne,Phillips etc going. With Bowe and Shane too that must've more or less emptied the wages pot! I'm no accountant but surely we could've kept Prydie,Watermayer, Owen, Davies on the books. I'd be a lot more confident if we had those players available this season. The strength in depth amongst our back line is non existent. Maybe we are where you (Scarlets) were 2 years ago....

[pioden gorllewin]

Personally I have an uneasy feeling about going into this game as favourites. The favourites tag sits uncomfortably on the Scarlet's as it does on our national team. It's a blow for the Ospreys not having Adam Jones & Ashley Beck - however like most derby the team that will win, will be the one who wants/needs it the most (form tends to go out of the window). If the Ospreys can turn this game into a dogfight then they stand a good chance of winning it. However if the Scarlet's can contain Tipuric then they'll probably edge this match.

[Smirnoffpriest]

I can understand the big earners like Hooky,Byrne,Phillips etc going. With Bowe and Shane too that must've more or less emptied the wages pot! I'm no accountant but surely we could've kept Prydie,Watermayer, Owen, Davies on the books. I'd be a lot more confident if we had those players available this season. The strength in depth amongst our back line is non existent. Maybe we are where you (Scarlets) were 2 years ago....

Yup I think so, the difference is that your in a lot better position than when we started the journey 4 years ago and still have a very good pack and some good players in your backs to be fair - it's just that depth is a bit thin on the ground

[ScarletSpiderman]

Breadvan - the thing is we don't know the state of the accounts at the Liberty. If the Ospreys had been breaking the bank maintaining the wage bill of the big stars, then maybe they need to cut back on the minnows in order to start to reduce the debts (and poor attendances etc didn't help last season).

I assume the other think that went through their minds is that they can be paying say 15-25k (or even more) for an average player / squad filler like those you mentioned, or they could used their feeder teams for the filler as and when needed and not run up the costs of keeping them on the books. After all how many games did Prydie, Phillips, Watermayer, Owen or Davies get last season probably no more than 10 between them, that just ain't good value for money.

I would say that both the Ospreys are probably entering the stage where they streamline their squad and try to ditch as much unnecessary costs as possible and it would seem the Blues are doing the same.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Personally I have an uneasy feeling about going into this game as favourites. The favourites tag sits uncomfortably on the Scarlet's as it does on our national team. It's a blow for the Ospreys not having Adam Jones & Ashley Beck - however like most derby the team that will win, will be the one who wants/needs it the most (form tends to go out of the window). If the Ospreys can turn this game into a dogfight then they stand a good chance of winning it. However if the Scarlet's can contain Tipuric then they'll probably edge this match.

One of the lads at work asked me this morning 'Do you have your excuses ready for Monday morning', and I had to admit that we are in a awkward position here. If we lose, it would not be a suprise, after all it is unlikely that we can four weeks into the season unbeaten. However if we win it would no be a suprise as the Ospreys side does not look that good (on paper).

I just want work to be over, and me be on the road, I am too nervous/excited to pay attention to work any more.

[Smirnoffpriest]

I'm trying not to think of the game now - I was really excited yesterday - but now am trying to concentrate on other things!

[ScarletSpiderman]

I know it ain't the same teams, but its the same sort of match

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/9333696.stm

[Smirnoffpriest]

Great video fair play - what was up with Hensons hair - I'd forgotten about that!

[Ifandorbut]

I know it ain't the same teams, but its the same sort of match

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/9333696.stm

Watched that video last night. I think he was lucky to get the red card, god knows what would have happened if he had played on


Oh come on 17.05 this is murder.

Iaob

[ScarletSpiderman]

I know it ain't the same teams, but its the same sort of match

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/9333696.stm

Watched that video last night. I think he was lucky to get the red card, god knows what would have happened if he had played on


Oh come on 17.05 this is murder.

Iaob

19.05 boss! But it is only 5 hours now.

[Smirnoffpriest]

I know your excited IAOB but there's no need to turn up 2 hours early!

[ScarletSpiderman]

I know your excited IAOB but there's no need to turn up 2 hours early!

Thats the time the barn opens though!!

The closer it is getting the more improtant this match is feeling, but being honest I guess it is just another league match really.

[Newsilure]

As a neutral its a match I'm looking forward to watching as its a much more evenly balanced derby than in recent years. Scarlets backs look much the stronger, Williams v Bishop will be interesting, but Osprey's forwards look powerfull, if they can do better, much better, at the breakdown than they did last week then the Ospey's should dominate possession.

a few hostages to fortune -

1. North and Dirk will both score tries
2. Ian Evans and Manu will both be yellow carded
3. Ryan Jones will come on and be the dominant back row player -- but it probably wont be enough
4. Scarlets will win the scrums(who would have imagined), Ospreys will win the lineouts (if Hibbard throws reasonably)
5 Jonathon Davies to be MoM(ok this one is a bit of a guess but he has been looking better and better)

Should be a good one ...... then I can trundle along to CAP and see the real Welsh power house takeon the mighty Italians tommorow

[Smirnoffpriest]

Just seen on Twitter Mat Gilbert saying he's trying to find a place in Italy to watch the Scarlets game (again).

Man still makes me feel sad that we left him go.

Harsh.

[Smirnoffpriest]

Not quite a sell out either, if anyone wants tickets - I'd hurry up!

Scarlets ‏@scarlets_rugby
TICKETS: we have freed up 250 seats in block E1, they will be available to buy until 5pm today, collect from the booth by the ticket office.

[Welshmushroom]

Looking at the starting lineups I think Tandy's picked the best available tight 5. Tipuric as the only genuine openside will be told to spoil as much ball as possible. Strong looking forwards bench from the Ospreys as well. That said they are playing Bearman at 8 and he's just useless. Would have thought a fit JT would have been an obvious choice.

To me the writting is on the wall. If the Ospreys fail to starve the Scarlets of more than 50% of the ball and play in the right areas the writting is on the wall. Will be a tough ask as well for Issac & Grabham (both original scrum halves) to deal with Davies & North. To be honest I cant see it myself if Scarlets get any front foot ball. Only chance is to keep hold of it or slow the ball down at the breakdown.

For me the key here will be can the tight 5 of the Scarlets provide a platform. Mobile looking backrow looks like they intend to move the ball without a genuine openside. Mobile pack though so they are clearly looking to play this away from the Ospreys Jugganaut front 5.

[Ifandorbut]

Not quite a sell out either, if anyone wants tickets - I'd hurry up!

Scarlets ‏@scarlets_rugby
TICKETS: we have freed up 250 seats in block E1, they will be available to buy until 5pm today, collect from the booth by the ticket office.

The web site now shows only 145 seats left @ 14.57 and I got the time right this time

Iaob

[Smirnoffpriest]

cheers IAOB - great news!

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Question. If I watch this game instead of Glasgow v Connacht, will I go to hell?

Well I can't record or pause BBC Wales on my Sky box.... So that's a good excuse.

Connacht game is only available in Irish or Scots Gaelic........OK

I could always record it in Irish and watch it later....... Or watch the good bits.....

OK I've talked myself into it.

[Guest]

V much hope you do watch this one Jen

Although a word of caution, it's a derby, which doesn't always been it will be the most highly skilled, just that ti will be stupidly intense.

Think Munster v Leinster last season....

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

V much hope you do watch this one Jen

Although a word of caution, it's a derby, which doesn't always been it will be the most highly skilled, just that ti will be stupidly intense.

Think Munster v Leinster last season....

That's the thing about Rugby. Many ways of creating a spectacle. Free flowing rugby on one end and massive slugfest on the other.

[Guest]

I think the first half will be the slugfest and then fingers crossed if all goes well the Scarlets should be able to do the free flowing rugby the 2nd half.....

Ah man the nerves, this is such a massive gave for us, haven't felt like this since we played Munster at home in the HEC last season.

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

can I be a Scarlets fan for the night then?

[SecretFly]

I'm kinda in the same land as Jenifer. Connacht (who I haven't seen playing this year yet and want to have a look at) or the Welsh figh.......... I mean game.

OK............... is Jiffy going to be commentating? The answer will decide it.

[Guest]

But of course you can

Just no sneaking of hints and tips to help you guys face is in the Heineken is all

Fly - if he is, you can always put the alternative commentary on using the red button, or simply mute it. Hopefully for you guys watching on the tv they'll have Eddie Butler.

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

don't be iffy, come in a jiffy

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

not sure if you get a red button under "other channels" on sky

[SecretFly]

But of course you can

Just no sneaking of hints and tips to help you guys face is in the Heineken is all

Fly - if he is, you can always put the alternative commentary on using the red button, or simply mute it. Hopefully for you guys watching on the tv they'll have Eddie Butler.

I want him (Jiffy) to be commentating. I enjoy him. He's either ranting and raving and twisting and turning (even though I don't see him I know he is) or, the bit I really love, even if the game dies away, he always has something to say, quite a funny man actually. I like him.

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

nembehs

[Guest]

But of course you can

Just no sneaking of hints and tips to help you guys face is in the Heineken is all

Fly - if he is, you can always put the alternative commentary on using the red button, or simply mute it. Hopefully for you guys watching on the tv they'll have Eddie Butler.

I want him (Jiffy) to be commentating. I enjoy him. He's either ranting and raving and twisting and turning (even though I don't see him I know he is) or, the bit I really love, even if the game dies away, he always has something to say, quite a funny man actually. I like him.

I...really??

Huh, okay, I sincerely hope you've been introduced to his drinking game before then?

[Guest]

anyway I'm off to make my way down to the stadium, enjoy the match folks if you can

[Ospreydragon]

"... Fussell pretending to be a fullback...?" Maestegmafia, you could change that to "... Fussell pretending he can pass ...?"

[GavinDragon]

As a neutral I am praying for a good spectacle!

[Cari]

I'm bricking this if I'm honest. I'll be watching from behind a cushion...

GavinDragon - I hope it's a corker for the neutrals as well.

[munkian]

C'mon the Turks !!

[GavinDragon]

why munk?

[wales606]

Good to see Ryan back on the bench for the O's. They need him badly at the moment.

[thebluesmancometh]

Think this will be a good game...

[Cari]

lovely tribute to Nevin Spence impeccably observed. Heard a few singing SUFTUM too.

[Artful_Dodger]

Loving the Stand Up For the Ulstermen chant at Parc Y Scarlets

[GavinDragon]

didnt think that was a high tackle but would have penalised bearman for not rolling away anyway

[wales606]

Poor dropped balls from the Scarlets

[wales606]

Dan Biggar will have a field day if the Scarlets are not winning the high ball.

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