Ospreys v Edinburgh, 21 September

First topic message reminder :

Ospreys v Edinburgh
 
Saturday 21st September 2013, KO 18:30
Liberty Stadium, Landore
 
Referee: Claudio Blessano (FIR, 5th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Gwyn Morris, Greg Morgan (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: John Charles (WRU)
TMO: Paul Adams (WRU)
 
Live on S4C/BBC Heedrumhodrum
 
A. Teams:
 
1. Ospreys      
15 Richard Fussell
14 Jeff Hassler
13 Andrew Bishop
12 Ashley Beck
11 Eli Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Tito Tebaldi

1 Duncan Jones
2 Richard Hibbard
3 Adam Jones
4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
5 Ian Evans
6 Tom Smith
7 Sam Lewis
8 Morgan Allen

REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Baldwin
17 Ryan Bevington
18 Joe Rees
19 Tyler Ardron
20 Justin Tipuric
21 Tom Grabham
22 Matthew Morgan
23 Aisea Natoga
 
2. Edinburgh    
15 Greig Tonks

14 Nikki Walker
13 Dougie Fife
12 Nick De Luca
11 Tim Visser

10 Harry Leonard
9 Sean Kennedy

1 Alasdair Dickinson
2 Aleki Lutui
3 Geoff Cross
4 Grant Gilchrist
5 Izak van der Westhuizen
6 Dimitri Basilaia
7 Roddy Grant CAPTAIN
8 David Denton

Substitutes

16 James Hilterbrand
17 Wicus Blaauw
18 WP Nel
19 Ollie Atkins
20 Hamish Watson
21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne
22 Michael Tait
23 Jack Cuthbert
 
B. Form - head to head:
 
Ospreys/Edinburgh
 
22 Played 22
12 Wins 9
9 Losses 12
1 Draws 1
49 Tries 49
30 Conversions 36
64 Penalties 42
4 Drop Goals 1
509 Points 446
26 Avg. Age 25
 
C. Form - last season:
 
Friday 23 November 2012, 19:05: Murrayfield
Edinburgh Rugby 23 - 13 Ospreys
 
Friday 22 February 2013, 20:00: Liberty Stadium
Ospreys 24 - 7 Edinburgh Rugby

bsando wrote:Where in the North West you heading FES?

Torridon.

RDW_Scotland wrote:
Edinburgh Rugby team to play Ospreys in RaboDirect PRO12 round three at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday 21 September (kick-off 6.30pm)


15 Greig Tonks

14 Nikki Walker
13 Dougie Fife
12 Nick De Luca
11 Tim Visser

10 Harry Leonard
9 Sean Kennedy

1 Alasdair Dickinson
2 Aleki Lutui
3 Geoff Cross
4 Grant Gilchrist
5 Izak van der Westhuizen
6 Dimitri Basilaia
7 Roddy Grant CAPTAIN
8 David Denton

Substitutes

16 James Hilterbrand
17 Wicus Blaauw
18 WP Nel
19 Ollie Atkins
20 Hamish Watson
21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne
22 Michael Tait
23 Jack Cuthber

I suppose rotation was inevitable. Geoff Cross wasn't going to sit on the bench all season, he's an international prop, plus that's some serious beef to come off the bench.

Happy with the rest of the team. Good continuity in the backs, and it's great to see Kennedy and Leonard getting regular game time. I'm also pleased for Basilia. He's needed a run of two or three games to make his case, particularly with Du Preez coming on board.

Leonard is a very talented young player, looking forward to watching him.

Must say I am a little surprised that the front row that many of you had been discussing so favourably has been changed. Do you think this will have a big influence?

Lutui is a beast of a Tongan and cross is a seasoned international, so you'd hope not. They're coming in fresh though where as ford and nel would be completely match sharp.

If we start with a slightly more match ready front row of Bevington, Hibbard and Jones they will likely feel the strain.

Our back five will be an interesting selection, likely Ian Evans and James King with a backrow of Ryan jones, Bearman and Lewis.

The backline will most likely not change from last weeks Tito, Biggar, Walker, Beck, Bishop, John and Fussell.

I am not happy with Fussell and would rather see him at wing with young Ross Jones at fullback but the coaches are adamant of playing him at 15.

Agreed Maes.

Does anyone have any sense as to how far away Rennie is from coming back? Tragic not to see him on team sheets.

Mid October seems to be the chat

There's some good flankers available to the scots at the moment. Everyone will be interested to see Barclays debut in the Derby..!

In other news, someone Tweeted the Edinburgh page to ask if Finn Russell was being loaned out to Edinburgh – they gave a firm no in response! Looks like that’s not happening then.

we dont want him anyway

We're gonna get Godman back instead!

funnyExiledScot wrote:

bsando wrote:Where in the North West you heading FES?

Torridon.

You lucky Bar Steward. Torridon is my favourite place on the planet.

Ospreys team announced. Looks strong.

15 Richard Fussell 14 Jeff Hassler 13 Andrew Bishop 12 Ashley Beck 11 Eli Walker 10 Dan Biggar 9 Tito Tebaldi

1 Duncan Jones 2 Richard Hibbard 3 Adam Jones 4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt) 5 Ian Evans 6 Tom Smith 7 Sam Lewis 8 Morgan Allen

REPLACEMENTS 16 Scott Baldwin 17 Ryan Bevington 18 Joe Rees 19 Tyler Ardron 20 Justin Tipuric 21 Tom Grabham 22 Matthew Morgan 23 Aisea Natoga

Very strong front 5 that - gonna be a massive test of our new found forward grunt. Exactly why I would have stuck with Ford and Nel for this game!

Who is this Jeff Hassler chap?

mrzimmerman wrote:Ospreys team announced. Looks strong.

15 Richard Fussell 14 Jeff Hassler 13 Andrew Bishop 12 Ashley Beck 11 Eli Walker 10 Dan Biggar 9 Tito Tebaldi

1 Duncan Jones 2 Richard Hibbard 3 Adam Jones 4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt) 5 Ian Evans 6 Tom Smith 7 Sam Lewis 8 Morgan Allen

REPLACEMENTS 16 Scott Baldwin 17 Ryan Bevington 18 Joe Rees 19 Tyler Ardron 20 Justin Tipuric 21 Tom Grabham 22 Matthew Morgan 23 Aisea Natoga

Great pack as ever, but think our backs may have the edge. It'll be interesting to see which wins out.

Very strong Hairspray's pack. Big test for the MFL. Think the O's will be too strong.

Yup, with our injury list I can't see us getting anything from the game against the Hairspreys

New coach, injuries, last years form, away from home - I'd say a decent performance and keeping the score to within 10-12 points would be something the Burgh can come home with and not feel they have let anyone down!

Sadly, I agree Tattie. But given all you have said will they be able, in Solomon's words, to earn the opposition's respect? That's what seems to be lacking in the culture at the Reading Room. From a totally objective Weegie point of view.

Ryan Jones hasn't recovered in time for the edinburgh match unfortunately. But we are still managing to field a very healthy looking team...

TANDY NAMES TEAM TO FACE EDINBURGH ON SATURDAY AT THE LIBERTY STADIUM


The Ospreys team to play Edinburgh at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday 21st September, KO 6.30pm, is as follows:

15 Richard Fussell
14 Jeff Hassler
13 Andrew Bishop
12 Ashley Beck
11 Eli Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Tito Tebaldi

1 Duncan Jones
2 Richard Hibbard
3 Adam Jones
4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
5 Ian Evans
6 Tom Smith
7 Sam Lewis
8 Morgan Allen

REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Baldwin
17 Ryan Bevington
18 Joe Rees
19 Tyler Ardron
20 Justin Tipuric
21 Tom Grabham
22 Matthew Morgan
23 Aisea Natoga

Jeff Hassler makes his first Ospreys start
Aisea Natoga will make his Ospreys debut if he comes off the bench

Head Coach Steve Tandy said:

“It’s great to be back at the Liberty this weekend, we’re all looking forward to being home again after two tough games at the road. Treviso and Leinster are among the two most difficult places to go in the PRO12 so to have come through a tough start to the season unbeaten, with six points and two positive performances, is a pleasing start.
“Over the next few weeks we need to kick on and raise a higher level again. We’ve got a few work-on’s from last weekend, some areas of the performance that need to improve, but it’s been a good few days in training preparing for the game and there’s a real buzz about the place.
“Some of the younger boys who have been involved over the last few weeks deserve a pat on the back for the job they’ve done. They’ve set the standard and helped to ensure that we’re in a much better position than we were this time last season.
“We’ve got the five Lions boys back in the team this weekend, which will naturally give everybody a boost. They’ve been fantastic since reporting back for duty and it’s good to be able to have them all available for selection. I’m sure that the fans will be looking forward to welcoming them home on Saturday and looking forward to seeing them back in the black shirt, representing the cause with the passion and commitment we’ve come to expect from the boys.”

The following players were unavailable for selection through injury:

Dmitri Arhip – Achilles
Hanno Dirksen – Knee
Tom Habberfield – Ankle
Dafydd Howells - Shoulder
Ryan Jones - Shoulder
Rhys Webb - Knee

Strong team indead. Beast of a pack, and a back row that maybe inexperienced but had held its own during the opening two games. Looking forward to seeing Allen at 8. Hopefully get to see Tips and debutant Natogo come off the bench too.

Hassler (21) is a one of the trio of Canadian internationlas we've signed. Scored in the friendly v Worcester.

Definitely a few surprise selections there. Backrow in particular where I think most Ospreys fans would have expected Bearman to start over Morgan Allen. Good to see Captain AWJ get a start alongside the other Lions players, but a shame Ryan Jones couldn't make the cut.

Hassler on the wing will be interesting. He looked good pre season and seems to be settling at his new club well.

Again we only have two locks available and Ardon will cover if injuries befall Evans or Jones.

maestegmafia wrote:Ryan Jones hasn't recovered in time for the edinburgh match unfortunately. But we are still managing to field a very healthy looking team...
ee

And winner of "understatement of the year" is ............. Maesteg
Healthy? Healthy? Chuffing heck - "outstanding" sums up that pack. I can see our bench getting emptied fairly early on in a damage limitation exercise

InjuredYetAgain wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Ryan Jones hasn't recovered in time for the edinburgh match unfortunately. But we are still managing to field a very healthy looking team...
ee

And winner of "understatement of the year" is ............. Maesteg
Healthy? Healthy? Chuffing heck - "outstanding" sums up that pack. I can see our bench getting emptied fairly early on in a damage limitation exercise

Even though the Gunners have dropped their lauded front row, they still have a very good pack. I'm not putting my eggs in one basket just yet mate.

With Edinburgh's defensive problems, your guys could carry eggs in their pockets without them getting smashed
A 5 pointer will take you right up there with the Weegie soap dodgers

InjuredYetAgain wrote:With Edinburgh's defensive problems, your guys could carry eggs in their pockets without them getting smashed
A 5 pointer will take you right up there with the Weegie soap dodgers

I don't think it will be that easy.

Right got my bets on - Visser to score anytime (7/4) and Edinburgh to win with a 9 points head start, also 7/4.

Pretty good odds I think!

You get 5/7 for Edinburgh to win with a 19 point head start - I'd like to think we won't lose by more than 19 points....!

RDW_Scotland wrote:Right got my bets on - Visser to score anytime (7/4) and Edinburgh to win with a 9 points head start, also 7/4.

Pretty good odds I think!

You get 5/7 for Edinburgh to win with a 19 point head start - I'd like to think we won't lose by more than 19 points....!

I don't think they have their head screwed on... Well I hope you do something fun with all the cash you are going to make.

Interestingly Glasgow were odds on favourites last night - doesn't often happen against Leinster.

Knowing my luck we'll lose by ten...

RDW_Scotland wrote:Interestingly Glasgow were odds on favourites last night - doesn't often happen against Leinster.

Knowing my luck we'll lose by ten...

We will need to put in some hell of a performance... This league is a lot tighter this year than last...! Glasgow are a very good team as we saw all last season.

Evening All.  

Brilliant start for the O's.  Hassler scores and Biggar converts.  7-0 at 4 minutes.

Not the best start....

The O's have the hairiest front row in the league...if not in Europe I think.  

Oof.  Looks like Sam Lewis had a nasty head clash with an Edinburgh player.  Trouble is, he goes in head first and he's copped a hip to the head this time.  Tips limbering up to replace him by the looks.

Our defence at its marshmallowy worst at the start there.

No way he should play on - bet he goes off in 5 mins

Lewis up and about, and Tips takes a seat.  He might be a bit goggle eyed but he's carrying on. Hope he doesn't regret that.  Tips is not a bad replacement.

Agree RDW. I always think they should come off straight away anyway, and then come back on later if at all. I don't know why they do it this way around.

Good scrum - Hibbard forgot to hook!

RDW_Scotland wrote:Good scrum - Hibbard forgot to hook!

His hair got in the way

Poor basics from Edinburgh - looking grim

I thought Edinburgh were going to get something then, but they seemed to get a bit panicky.  Hassler is looking quite a decent signing so far...and he's eye candy

Hibbard misses a flat pass.

Haven't seen a pass that bad since the Munster game  

Put the bloody ball in the scrum!!

Must be said I do like the band they've got at the Liberty. Brass version of yellow submarine is awesome

Yeah they're playing Queen now by the sounds.  I wonder if they do requests...

Biggar going for a penalty that'll take him to 978 in the league.

10-0 at 15 minutes.

We have been truly awful so far.

Can we go back to the old version of scrums now? Or fix the new ones? Seen over 10 games of rugby since rules changed and have yet to see any improvement.

Nice kick Fife  

10-0, feels like last season atm

Another three points for the O's.

13-0 at 18 minutes.

Edinburgh need to watch their discipline is all. They're giving away daft penalties at the moment and Biggar will just try kicking them every time.

Nice work by Denton

...and now it's the O's who are slipping up. They need to tighten things up a bit. They're being a sloppy now.

We need the bloody ball!