After a fantastic win out in South Africa against the Lions in the Challenge Cup, the Ospreys will have had 4 weeks to prepare for this URC clash against Ulster at the Swansea.com stadium.
I will post a 23 man squad and we hopefully get some more updates on the returning injured players.
One would hope that although we will be without Gareth Thomas, Adam Beard, George North and Owen Watkin(all with Wales) Nicky Smith, James Fender, Dewi Lake, Morgan Morris, Justin Tipuric and Jack Regan could be back. In the backs, hopefully Tom Florence, Toby Fricker, Dom Morris, Alex Cuthbert and Owen Williams will be fit.
Hopefully we will draft in some Cheetahs in the areas where we are particularly short - lock and centre are probably our weakest areas.
Here is a potential squad (assumes certain players are fit)
N Smith R Henry/C Jones S Parry D Lake T Botha B Warren J Ratti J Regan AN Other W Hickey H Deaves J Tipuric M Morris
RMW L Davies D Edwards J Walsh K Giles D Morris K Williams M Protheroe I Hopkins A Cuthbert
**Edited to include a 3rd lock - Jack Regan played for the Whites on Saturday so should feature against Ulster.
** Could also include Jeandre Rudolph, Victor Sekekete and Evardi Boshoff
The result has been put into context by Dragons getting hammered 49-26 and should be huge boost to our youngsters.
Not really anything to do with us, but the Ulster Coach Dan McFarland has been sacked since we beat them on Sunday.
I don't think it's all to do with us beating them, as numerous Ulster fans on another Forum have been wanting him gone for months even years in one case, just probably the final straw.
I thought that our 2 SA lads went relly well yesterday considering the limited amount of time they have had with the team. Sekekte looks an accomplised lock who got stuck in around the park and Boshoff defended really well.
Couldn't watch the match as had other family commitments but I am so proud of these boys and secretly chuffed about the emergence of Dan Edwards , I say secretly because I don't want Team Wales marching in and ruining him, teaching him how to kick endlessly.
Between the contract extension announcements (particularly enjoyed the Harri Deaves Twin Town nod!) and the win today, it's been a great week. Dan Edwards has a got a high ceiling.
Well, I didnt manage to get to the match, circumstances outside of my control, despite buying a ticket ! Manage to watch 2nd half though and what a lovely way to beat them ... great effort and superb drop goal at the death.
Outstanding 😃
Bloody lovely!
Well, that ticket purchase was frustrating ( this may not be news to you ! ) .... no email confirmation of purchase, I thought an e-ticket would be instant ? When I clicked the ticket FAQ's, it just took me back to the Ticket home page. Gave up clicking after the third time, who says I'm not persistent !
I think that all three of our new SA lads will be in the squad for Sunday.
I think the revised squad will be...
N Smith C Jones S Parry D Lake/E Lewis T Botha B Warren J Ratti J Regan V Sekekete W Hickey H Deaves T Davies/Tips J Rudolph
RMW L Davies D Edwards J Walsh K Giles E Boshoff K Williams M Protheroe I Hopkins D Morris
Obviously a lot will depend on the fitness of the red marked players but I think that we will see at least Boshoff in this squad and maybe the other two SA lads as well.
I doubt they select Hickey ahead of Deaves or after yesterday ahead of Tristan.
I don’t think Fender or Lake will be back in a month. Hopefully the others will be available
We desperately need Rhys Davies back and some news on Will Griff and Sutton. Looked like Ratti took another knock on his shoulder yesterday.
When is jac expected back from injury?
One player we won't see from the Cheetahs is hooker Marcus van der Merwe who has apparently signed for the Scarlets.