Super Saturday: Ospreys v Ulster Rugby

   
Ospreys v Ulster Rugby
Saturday 7 May 2016
KO: 15:00
Liberty Stadium

Live on [TBC]

Referee: [tbc]
Assistant Referees: [tbc]
Citing Commissioner: [tbc]
TMO: [tbc]

A. Head to Head

25 Played 25
13 Wins 12
12 Losses 13
0 Draws 0
549 Points 493

B. Form

4 September 2015
Ulster Rugby 28 - 6 Ospreys

20 December 2014
Ospreys 31 - 20 Ulster Rugby

21 November 2014
Ulster Rugby 25 - 16 Ospreys

C. Teams

Ospreys 


15 Dan Evans 14 Ben John 13 Owen Watkin 12 Josh Matavesi 11 Eli Walker 10 Dan Biggar 9 Rhys Webb (c)
1 Nicky Smith 2 Scott Baldwin 3 Dmitri Arhip 4 Rynier Bernardo 5 Rory Thornton 6 Dan Lydiate 7 Sam Underhill 8 James King

16 Scott Otten 17 Gareth Thomas 18 Aaron Jarvis 19 Joe Bearman 20 Olly Cracknell 21 Brendon Leonard 22 Sam Davies 23 Tom Grabham

Ulster Rugby


15 Jared Payne 14 Andrew Trimble 13 Luke Marshall 12 Stuart McCloskey 11 Craig Gilroy 10 Paddy Jackson 9 Ruan Pienaar
1 Callum Black 2 Rory Best (c) 3 Ricky Lutton 4 Peter Browne 5 Franco van der Merwe 6 Iain Henderson 7 Chris Henry 8 Sean Reidy

16 Rob Herring 17 Kyle McCall 18 Andrew Warwick 19 Robbie Diack 20 Roger Wilson 21 Paul Marshall 22 Stuart Olding 23 Darren Cave

Always a tough game, but that's ideal preparation for an even tougher semi-final if we win. And if we lose then we won't win an away semi-final against Leinster or Glasgow anyway.

Don't give Connacht much hope against Glasgow so we're probably playing for the booby prize of facing the Weegies in their backyard. A tough enough task. Hope Connacht can spring an unlikely upset.

Were down to our bare bones and a weak pack but with Webb and biggar there's always a chance. A bonus point win though is a tough tough ask

Big big ask, not just for the BP, but the other result(s) needed as well. All the best though Ospreys

Is AWJ going to play? Could decide whether O's win or not.

Hoping he's fit. There were a few clippings saying he might have made judgement day.

True Raven wrote:Were down to our bare bones and a weak pack but with Webb and biggar there's always a chance.  A bonus point win though is a tough tough ask

TR, this is pretty accurate, going by what Tandy said post match, that there would be no returnees from the injury list for this match, and that 2 from Saturday could be missing, I know one was Beard can't remember the other, so it is down to Thornton and Bernardo with probably King filling in.
I'm hoping for the following, Evans, John, Watkin, Matavesi, Dirksen, Biggar, Webb, Smith, Baldwin, Arhip, Bernardo, Thornton, Lydiate, Underhill, King with Thomas, Otten, Jarvis, Cracknell, AN Other, Leonard, Davies and Walker on the bench.
Matavesi HAS to come back in as Spratt is miles too slow for this level and I would drop Parry for the brainfart for the obstruction that cost us the lead late in the game, I don't know who I'd have on the bench to cover for 2nd row/back row, as I said I'd have King move into the boilerhouse and fetch Cracknell, it's funny how you have a different perspective when you watch the game back on the TV at home, I thought Lydiate was pretty anonymous when at the game, when watching back you could see how effective he was, it's harsh to drop Cracknell but Underhill HAS to start and Dan L made some decent carries so I would start him.
 
Just to add the other player who could be doubtful is Dirksen, who Tandy said took a bit of a knock

Wayne, Underhill has to start, made an impact coming off the bench. Also great news that he said he plans on honouring the contract he signed so wont be going anywhere anytime soon!

Parry has been poor this year, as has Baldwin for that matter. The amount of attacking lineouts lost this season by poor throwing is a concern. I'd like to see young Otten given more game time next season. I can't make the game on Sat as I'm away watching the Swans but a game to far for us imo, given the injuries and Ulster being a top side. To little too late and we're paying the price for a poor season..

True Raven wrote:Wayne, Underhill has to start, made an impact coming off the bench.  Also great news that he said he plans on honouring the contract he signed so wont be going anywhere anytime soon!

Yes totally agree on all your points TR.

Breadvan wrote:Parry has been poor this year, as has Baldwin for that matter. The amount of attacking lineouts lost this season by poor throwing is a concern. I'd like to see young Otten given more game time next season. I can't make the game on Sat as I'm away watching the Swans but a game to far for us imo, given the injuries and Ulster being a top side. To little too late and we're paying the price for a poor season..

Breadvan, plenty of the missed lineouts this season have been down to poor throwing yes, there are many though that have been down to poor and uncoordinated lifting, I think Baldwin has been fine this season, and then again I would agree with you over Otten being selected ahead of Parry.
I'm not writing this off yet, and will be in fine voice on Saturday.

Just to say on Osprey TV today, Training with the Ospreys, couldn't see Beard or Dirksen, Nicky Smith was there and there was a training movements of Cracknell, Lydiate and Underhill, so could James King either be in the boilerhouse again or kept in reserve.

With an Ulster backrow of Henderson,Reidy and Henry the O's backrow selection will be critical to success as will a less patchy performance from the front row. I thought Matavesi looked a lot sharper on Saturday than he has for some time.PLEASE can someone stop Tandy&Co picking King as a lock.I'm hoping the O's can start the match as they finished Saturday's and maintain it.If my mate Sean is reading this then 'Stand Up For The Ospreymen'!!!!

exile jack wrote:With an Ulster backrow of Henderson,Reidy and Henry the O's backrow selection will be critical to success as will a less patchy performance from the front row. I thought Matavesi looked a lot sharper on Saturday than he has for some time.PLEASE can someone stop Tandy&Co picking King as a lock.I'm hoping the O's can start the match as they finished Saturday's and maintain it.If my mate Sean is reading this then 'Stand Up For The Ospreymen'!!!!

Jack, there is an injury update today for Saturdays injuries, Hanno has suffered a ligament injury, and is for assessment with a specialist and is probably out, Beard had a crush on the leg and thoughts are he will make it for Saturday, if he is, that will negate the need for King to be a 2nd row option, and Nicky Smith went off for HIA, and has cleared everything so far and should also be available.

Not sure who is available but Ospreys should be looking at something like Evans, John, Watkin, Matavesi, Spratt, Biggar, Webb - King, Underhill, Lydiate, Bernardo, Beard, Arhip, Baldwain, Smith. It has to be Spratt as there's nobody else available? If James was available I would start him, and same for Fia except to the bench in place of Jarvis. Can't see a BPW, but good luck anyway.

mikey_dragon wrote:Not sure who is available but Ospreys should be looking at something like Evans, John, Watkin, Matavesi, Spratt, Biggar, Webb - King, Underhill, Lydiate, Bernardo, Beard, Arhip, Baldwain, Smith. It has to be Spratt as there's nobody else available? If James was available I would start him, and same for Fia except to the bench in place of Jarvis. Can't see a BPW, but good luck anyway.

Mikey, Spratt is too slow for centre, I presume it will be Eli Walker given yet another chance, it's about time anyway for a decent game from him, I think basically the rest of the team is as I selected above, most thought Beard would be out,but if he's fit, I'd have him in.

I wasn't sure whether Walker was injured or not, hence leaving him out. Definitely put Beard in, he's going to be an international for Wales in a couple years if he carries on the way he's playing.

wayne wrote:

exile jack wrote:With an Ulster backrow of Henderson,Reidy and Henry the O's backrow selection will be critical to success as will a less patchy performance from the front row. I thought Matavesi looked a lot sharper on Saturday than he has for some time.PLEASE can someone stop Tandy&Co picking King as a lock.I'm hoping the O's can start the match as they finished Saturday's and maintain it.If my mate Sean is reading this then 'Stand Up For The Ospreymen'!!!!

Jack, there is an injury update today for Saturdays injuries, Hanno has suffered a ligament injury, and is for assessment with a specialist and is probably out, Beard had a crush on the leg and thoughts are he will make it for Saturday, if he is, that will negate the need for King to be a 2nd row option, and Nicky Smith went off for HIA, and has cleared everything so far and should also be available.

Whatever the views on the coaching regime at the O's the injury list this season would hamper any professional team.Really feel for Hanno as his career has really been held back with his injuries.All I ask on Saturday is that the O's give absolutely everything on the pitch.Given the quality and number of 'heavies' in the Ulster backs i'd be happier to see John and Spratt as the wingers rather than Eli who is going to find Payne,Trimble,McCloskey,Cave and others too powerful.Bring it on!!!!!

exile jack wrote:With an Ulster backrow of Henderson,Reidy and Henry the O's backrow selection will be critical to success as will a less patchy performance from the front row. I thought Matavesi looked a lot sharper on Saturday than he has for some time.PLEASE can someone stop Tandy&Co picking King as a lock.I'm hoping the O's can start the match as they finished Saturday's and maintain it.If my mate Sean is reading this then 'Stand Up For The Ospreymen'!!!!

Henderson has been well below par, hopefully just saving himself for a big finish to the season and Henry isn't anywhere near his best but thankfully guys like Pete Browne have been able to step up and pick up some of the slack

Think it'll be a great battle and has the potential to be a cracking game with an Ulster win

marty2086 wrote:

exile jack wrote:With an Ulster backrow of Henderson,Reidy and Henry the O's backrow selection will be critical to success as will a less patchy performance from the front row. I thought Matavesi looked a lot sharper on Saturday than he has for some time.PLEASE can someone stop Tandy&Co picking King as a lock.I'm hoping the O's can start the match as they finished Saturday's and maintain it.If my mate Sean is reading this then 'Stand Up For The Ospreymen'!!!!

Henderson has been well below par, hopefully just saving himself for a big finish to the season and Henry isn't anywhere near his best but thankfully guys like Pete Browne have been able to step up and pick up some of the slack

Think it'll be a great battle and has the potential to be a cracking game with an Ulster win

Marty,my impression of our game against the Blues was that it took a long time for the O's backrow to come to terms with the three opensides the Blues fielded.Losing Warburton might well have cost the Blues the game. I'm know Ulster play a more traditional backrow but Reidy is underrated,Henry is a right pain on the floor and Henderson is one of those players who can rubbish opposing defences. All I want is for the O's to produce a performance that banishes the memory of our abject performance at the Kingspan at the start of the season.A BP win would for me rival Leicester winning the Premiership irrespective of the Munster v Scarlets game.Btw is Gilroy available or still unwell?

jack, I think you are worrying about Henry and Henderson at their best. Neither have been this season, Reidy on the other hand just keeps getting better and looking like he may be a decent option at 8 as well as 7.

No word on Gilroy yet, Bowe won't make it back but Scholes and Trimble looked good against Leinster so if hes not back we wont be too worried

The game will be on Sky and BBC NI

Gilroy should be available, apparently.

Gilroy trained yesterday so should be available this weekend

(15-9): J Payne; A Trimble, L Marshall, S McCloskey, C Gilroy; P Jackson, R Pienaar;

(1-8): C Black, R Best (c), R Lutton, P Browne, F van der Merwe, I Henderson, C Henry, S Reidy;

Replacements (16-23): R Herring, K McCall, A Warwick, R Diack, R Wilson, P Marshall, S Olding, D Cave.

As strong a side as we could hope for at this time of the season. Just glad Browne is starting. He didn't look to healthy coming off in the last game.

This was a game I had predicted to lose, a few weeks back, but I now think we might just edge it. Last weeks display must have given me a confidence boost

That's a fantastic backline yet again and if the pack can perform as they did last week that backline will get plenty of opportunity to run a bit of ball.
Optimism is on an all time high

15 Dan Evans 14 Ben John 13 Owen Watkin 12 Josh Matavesi 11 Eli Walker 10 Dan Biggar 9 Rhys Webb (Capt)

1 Nicky Smith 2 Scott Baldwin 3 Dmitri Arhip 4 Rynier Bernardo 5 Rory Thornton 6 Dan Lydiate 7 Sam Underhill 8 James King

REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Otten 17 Gareth Thomas 18 Aaron Jarvis 19 Joe Bearman 20 Olly Cracknell 21 Brendon Leonard 22 Sam Davies 23 Tom Grabham

Think Scholes is unlucky to miss out, at least deserved a bench spot maybe in place of Cave

marty2086 wrote:Think Scholes is unlucky to miss out, at least deserved a bench spot maybe in place of Cave

I expected Scholes to play a part, if not starting then definitely off the bench but hopefully he will get some more game time in the two games after this one

Any Ospreys fans fancy enlightening the dummies such as myself as to what we should expect from that O's selection. It looks like a strong lineup to me but I'm completely unaware of what form any of your players are in right now.

It does feel unlucky for Scholes, especially with two centres on the bench, but at least he had his last game on the last day of the season, at home. Good luck to him, and hopefully we see him in an Ulster shirt after a couple of seasons.

Pete330v2 wrote:Any Ospreys fans fancy enlightening the dummies such as myself as to what we should expect from that O's selection. It looks like a strong lineup to me but I'm completely unaware of what form any of your players are in right now.

Pete that is about the strongest team we could have put out with the injuries we have, probably our 2 strongest areas are half back and back row, we are down to the bare bones in the boilerhouse as we have a 37/38 year old back rower on the bench (Bearman) hopefully he will be the last to come on or even better not come on at all. Walker on the wing is very weak defensively, but given space is very effective, it should also be a good battle in the centre. Very interesting game coming up.

Are there many of you lot coming over? as we have put out on the website that it will be an above average crowd.

wayne wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:Any Ospreys fans fancy enlightening the dummies such as myself as to what we should expect from that O's selection. It looks like a strong lineup to me but I'm completely unaware of what form any of your players are in right now.

Pete that is about the strongest team we could have put out with the injuries we have, probably our 2 strongest areas are half back and back row, we are down to the bare bones in the boilerhouse as we have a 37/38 year old back rower on the bench (Bearman) hopefully he will be the last to come on or even better not come on at all. Walker on the wing is very weak defensively, but given space is very effective, it should also be a good battle in the centre. Very interesting game coming up.

Are there many of you lot coming over? as we have put out on the website that it will be an above average crowd.

Cheers Wayne.

I don't travel myself but I know there's always a large contingent that follow Ulster to every away match. If we can put up a decent scrap against you O's tomorrow it'll be an anomaly in an otherwise pathetic away record this season. We struggle on the road but hopefully we can keep the momentum and make this a great end of season spectacle.

Just to add there was a list of 15 players out injured that apart from 3 positions, 2,9 and 10 would make up the following team
15 Dafydd Howells, played full back for the U20s
14 Jeff Hassler
13 JJ Engelbrecht
12 Ashley Beck
11 Hanno Dirksen
10
 9
 1 Paul James
 2
 3 Ma'afu Fia
 4 AWJ
 5 Adam Beard
 6 Tyler Ardron
 7 Justin Tipuric
 8 Dan Baker
The other 3 are Gareth Delve, Lloyd Ashley and prop Marc Thomas.
Apart from Full Back and Tight Head prop, at certain times in the past couple of seasons those players have been better than the players selected for tomorrows match, finally let me add a lot of those players have been missing MANY times this season, for the same reason that they are missing tomorrow.

Some genuine quality missing. Happy to avoid Paul James, Alun Wyn-Jones and Justin Tipuric. Real influential players in all three rows.

Also the back line is significantly less scary without Beck and Dirksen, but the nucleus of that Ospreys team (6-10) is still really top class. Our back row really needs to show up to match them.

Think we can definitely win, but it will be tight against a really well-drilled team. Just hope Munster don't fold. Last game of the season for them, at home, hope they can do the business.

Munster could fold and Scarlets get five points. Imagine the irony if they keep going for tries (that they don't need) and concede a 4th try and a LBP to Munster with the last play of the game!

I think it's extremely unlikely Scarlets will score four tries at Thomond Park... which probably means it will happen now!

Away to Ospreys is a difficult game but on the back of their performance against Leinster, I feel Ulster should win this.

As for Munster, got a feeling they will keep it very tight and either edge the win or get a LBP.

Well I'm off now, going to renew my ST £79 for a guaranteed 15 matches, and watch the SUPER Os reserves get a bonus point win today, (probably the last part will come to bite me back), but there is nothing like optimism.
Talk to you all later.

wayne wrote:going to renew my ST £79 for a guaranteed 15 matches

Thats outstanding value to be fair

Os have cut us open a couple of times, we nearly opened them up out wide once. Both teams looking to attack, good game so far.

Ospreys attacking from everywhere and turning down shots at goal to go for 7 points- chasing the BP from the outset. Matavesi has been outstanding, taking the tackle, keeping his hands free and offloading.

Ospreys score, will be 7-0

Very smart play from Henry 14 31

Well played Ulster, best of luck for the play-offs!

That caps off a terrible season for the O's. No play-offs with our lowest ever finish, out of Europe at the group stages and out all together next year.

Something seriously needs to change at the region. This squad has a really nice blend of promising youngsters and established internationals yet they can hardly string a phase together.

Well done to both teams, because that was a real festival of running rugby. 10 tries between the two teams!

CurlyOsp wrote:Well played Ulster, best of luck for the play-offs!

Diolch CurlyOsp

Ospreys played some really nice rugby today, lots of quality players out injured- I've no doubt you'll be back competing for the Top 4 next season.

CurlyOsp wrote:Well played Ulster, best of luck for the play-offs!

That caps off a terrible season for the O's. No play-offs with our lowest ever finish, out of Europe at the group stages and out all together next year.

Something seriously needs to change at the region. This squad has a really nice blend of promising youngsters and established internationals yet they can hardly string a phase together.

Yes,i agree.Ulster did us up a right kipper.Their defence killed us and their offence finished off their opportunities.Until we realise that our coaching team is not of the right calibre we will NEVER get the best of our squad notwithstanding the consequences of the WC year and our injuries.Two specific points.Someone should get Rhys Webb to watch Pienaar's performance today-an absolute masterclass of when to pass and when to kick and when not to.Also, how can a referee of any calibre award 12 consecutive penalties against a team and not even warn them of yellow card offences.Just mind boggling! Roll on next season,hopefully with major changes to the coaching regime.Ulster looking good for the title on today's performance.

wayne wrote:Well I'm off now, going to renew my ST £79 for a guaranteed 15 matches, and watch the SUPER Os reserves get a bonus point win today, (probably the last part will come to bite me back), but there is nothing like optimism.
Talk to you all later.

Well we did get a point, but no 4 points to go with it. Well played Ulster the better team won, have to agree with Jack over Mitrea another poor Referee from the Pro 12, yet he wasn't the reason we lost today.
Rhys Webb has won us a few games this season, today he was terrible, from his box kicking which led to Trimble's try, to the inaction when the Ulster player rolled the ball forward without taking his hands off to score, Rhys initially drew the ball back to within inches of our try line when there was no need to, he only had to pick the ball out and kick it away.
Let me just say I said before this game it was our reserves, only a joke but having to finish with a hooker at flanker and a 38 year old back rower in the boilerhouse was a step too far today.
Finally the commitment and inventiveness of BOTH teams today was very enjoyable, good game.