Ospreys v Edinburgh, 21 September

by **George Carlin** Tue 17 Sep 2013, 9:20 am

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

by bsando Wed 18 Sep 2013, 12:10 pm

Nice! Du Preez is gonna make Strauss look like a sissy girl! Very Happy

by **RDW** Wed 18 Sep 2013, 12:14 pm

6ft 4, 17 stones and statistically in the top 5 carriers for the whole of the Super XV this season.

Excited!

by **George Carlin** Wed 18 Sep 2013, 12:14 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Confirmed - Cornell Du Preez

Yis. Official release:

Solomons secures 'complete package'

Edinburgh Rugby head coach Alan Solomons today hailed the signing of 22-year-old Southern Kings back-row forward Cornell du Preez, who is expected to arrive later this month (subject to visa and medical examination).

The former Springbok Academy starlet is equally adept on the blindside flank and number 8 position and arrives after an impressive debut Super Rugby season.

His move to Murrayfield reunites him with Solomons, who brought du Preez into the Kings franchise after the 2011 Junior World Championships in his previous incarnation as director of rugby at the South African franchise .

Solomons said: “This signing is fantastic news for the club. Cornell is the complete package.

“He’s very strong physically, is an exceptionally good carrier, has very good skills and is a powerful and confrontational defender.

It was universally accepted that he was an absolute star in his first Super Rugby season.

"He's a fantastic player and we’re delighted that he’s coming here.”

Born and schooled in Port Elizabeth, du Preez went to North West University in Potchefstroom, where he played in the Varsity Cup for NWU-Pukke and the Leopards in the under-19 and under-21 Currie Cup.

After his part in the national age-grade set-up, Du Preez’ imposing defensive presence and strong running played a big part in the improved fortunes for Eastern Province, where he helped them to an unbeaten 16-match unbeaten run to lift the Currie Cup First Division title.

With nine tries in 19 provincial appearances to his name, Du Preez leapfrogged the domestic Premier Division into the Super Rugby set-up, where he added a further five scores in 16 Super Rugby outings in his first year.

He said: “I’m really excited about joining up with the squad at Edinburgh Rugby.

“The decision to move was an easy one to make, especially when you look at the quality competitions that the club plays in week in, week out, taking on some of the best players in the world, all over Europe.

“I have a very good relationship with [head coach] Alan Solomons and [defence coach] Omar Mouneimne, who've had a huge influence on my career and in my joining the club.

They believe in me, and I believe in their systems and what they want to achieve.

“I’m really looking forward to this awesome opportunity and cannot wait to join up with the black and red army."

Cornell Gerhard Du Preez (22), back-row

Born 23/03/1991 in Port Elizabeth

Height: 192cm (6’ 4”), weight 107kg (17st)

Previous clubs:North West University (NWU-Pukke), Leopards (U19 & U21), Eastern Province, Southern Kings

International honours:South Africa academy, South Africa under-20 (2011 Junior World Championship)

Pretty impressive try scoring numbers for a debutante.

Doesn't say how the contract is for. Wonder if this will be a departure from Edinburgh's policy of only offering more than 1 year contracts to players over 47.

by Taffineastbourne Wed 18 Sep 2013, 12:25 pm

When will he become Scotland qualified?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 18 Sep 2013, 1:03 pm

Congrats to all Scots posters - just a year from today we'll be independent

Yahoo

by **George Carlin** Wed 18 Sep 2013, 1:10 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Congrats to all Scots posters - just a year from today we'll be independent

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-24124631 Headscratch

by Captain_Sensible Wed 18 Sep 2013, 1:11 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Congrats to all Scots posters - just a year from today we'll be independent

Riiiiiiiiiiiight...

by IanBru Wed 18 Sep 2013, 1:46 pm

We are independent already... from the Euro. Long may that continue!!

Tough old fight for King Alex the Contemptible to change the minds of a million people.

Damn, I've broken my own rule! Impartiality rules OK. Peace to all.

by **George Carlin** Wed 18 Sep 2013, 2:05 pm

IanBru wrote:We are independent already... from the Euro. Long may that continue!!

Tough old fight for King Alex the Contemptible to change the minds of a million people.

Could never figure out which was which:

1. A Member of Parliament for Banff and Buchan
Ospreys v Edinburgh, 21 September - Page 2 Roy-to10

2. A Fat Frog
Ospreys v Edinburgh, 21 September - Page 2 Alex-s10

by cakeordeath Wed 18 Sep 2013, 2:05 pm

Please tell me he has a Scottish Granny

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 18 Sep 2013, 2:12 pm

cakeordeath wrote:Please tell me he has a Scottish Granny

Alex Salmond or the Fat Frog?

by cakeordeath Wed 18 Sep 2013, 2:15 pm

The frog of course. Edinburgh should look at signing him to play front row. Let's face it, it looks like one.

by tigertattie Wed 18 Sep 2013, 2:27 pm

surely you would put a frog into the 2nd row? they can jump real high!

by tigertattie Wed 18 Sep 2013, 2:27 pm

PS. Alex Salmon is Fred Flintstone's love child!

by funnyExiledScot Wed 18 Sep 2013, 2:29 pm

justified sinner wrote:What's Ritchie Rees's mum doing back?

by funnyExiledScot Wed 18 Sep 2013, 2:35 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Congrats to all Scots posters - just a year from today we'll be independent

................ picard

by cakeordeath Wed 18 Sep 2013, 2:35 pm

tigertattie wrote:surely you would put a frog into the 2nd row? they can jump real high!

Surely hooker would be the prime position

by **RDW** Wed 18 Sep 2013, 5:30 pm

Can we not talk about independence on a rugby forum?

by funnyExiledScot Wed 18 Sep 2013, 5:44 pm

Just read a bit about this Cornell du Preez chap. Sounds like just the ticket. A big tough uncompromising blindside young enough to qualify for Scotland before he enters his prime. Ideal.

Finally we are starting to see some sensible signings, players we can see making a big impact to the 1st XV and taking us up a level. By Christmas we should be well placed to give the great unwashed a proper drubbing....

by flyhalffactory Wed 18 Sep 2013, 6:02 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:Just read a bit about this Cornell du Preez chap. Sounds like just the ticket. A big tough uncompromising blindside young enough to qualify for Scotland before he enters his prime. Ideal.

Finally we are starting to see some sensible signings, players we can see making a big impact to the 1st XV and taking us up a level. By Christmas we should be well placed to give the great unwashed a proper drubbing....

Amen to that brother Ospreys v Edinburgh, 21 September - Page 2 3602195817

by VinceWLB Wed 18 Sep 2013, 8:44 pm

Just had a quick look over Scarletfever, Scarlets fans are understandably furious at this signing!
Indeed they were meant to believe there were no quality 8 available on the market, my a*se!

by **RDW** Wed 18 Sep 2013, 9:03 pm

Apparently western force were after him too - why did he come to us?? Solomons must really have an appeal to these players

by bsando Thu 19 Sep 2013, 1:41 am

I think Solomons being at Edinburgh must have been a big factor. Du preez performed well for kings under Solomons and now probably wants to do the same in Europe.

Plus Edinburgh is a cracking city to live in if you're earning a decent wage. Short train journey to London, international airports in Glasgow and Edinburgh, what's not to like?

Would have been a great signing for the force.

by mrzimmerman Thu 19 Sep 2013, 8:36 am

Isn't there a game on Saturday?

by **RDW** Thu 19 Sep 2013, 9:16 am

mrzimmerman wrote:Isn't there a game on Saturday?

Yes, but until the teams are announced there's not much more to talk about in that regard!

by mrzimmerman Thu 19 Sep 2013, 9:30 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
mrzimmerman wrote:Isn't there a game on Saturday?
Yes, but until the teams are announced there's not much more to talk about in that regard!

You've got a point. Out of interest though, what are your hopes/expectations for this game and the pro12 season in general?

From an Ospreys pov I have to say I expect us to win this one. I don't think I'm out of line saying that. we've played well against higher rated teams away. The team will be buzzing for their first game at home. Is my optimism naive do you think?

by **RDW** Thu 19 Sep 2013, 9:38 am

Ospreys are overwhelming favourites for this one. I know Edinburgh keep harking on about it but if the O’s can’t beat a team at home whose coaches have only been here a month and the team itself in a state of transition, then you need to be asking serious questions!

I’d like to think we will be pretty competitive though, and as this is now the 5th games with the new team and new coaches things should start improving. What has been promising so far from an Edinburgh PoV is the set piece, particularly the scrums. It will get a stern test on Saturday but we will do OK this season if we have a strong set-piece. Last season our set-piece was awful, so we were awful!

My main concern is our attack and open field defence. We have done a lot of huffing and puffing in attack with not much reward. This is partly down to Solomons’ tactics but also a lack of a cutting edge just now. Hopefully with Visser back we should be significantly improved in the try scoring regard.

Our open field defence so far has been abysmal. This should definitely be improved now our new defence coach has arrived, but it needs significant work.

I said it at the start but a LBP and good performance would be a success for me. TBH even just one of those things would be a success!

by mrzimmerman Thu 19 Sep 2013, 9:42 am

Thanks RDW. An excellent and clearly informed evaluation.

by maestegmafia Thu 19 Sep 2013, 9:53 am

Yeah cheers...!

Going to be a tougher task against Edinburgh this year than last.

by VinceWLB Thu 19 Sep 2013, 10:01 am

Ospreys doesn't do well against Edinburgh, last year they failed to get the bonus point at home and were one of the few teams to lose out (without bp!) at Murrayfield.

That said Edinburgh will do well to get a defensive bonus point on saturday.

by **George Carlin** Thu 19 Sep 2013, 10:03 am

If the Spreys start with 1. Bevington 2. Hibbard 3. A. Jones then Edinburgh will have the toughest test in the tight yet but with Blaauw, Ford and Nel they have a massive front row of their own who seem to be able to play for a full 80. Edinburgh haven't got an epic lock combo and in the absence of Du Preez and Rennie will not have killer loose forward options either. Denton's carrying will be critical once again.

However, Visser, Tonks and Walker can make something out of nothing and Nikki in particular will have the playbook on how best to open up his former teammates. Ospreys should have too much overall, particular if Biggar's good kicking form continues.

by **RDW** Thu 19 Sep 2013, 10:07 am

What do you Ospreys fans think of the game, and where have the team been playing well / badly?

My other concern is if Tupiric plays - with Rennie out we've not got the quickest back rows. If Grant starts over Hamish Watson then we lose even more pace. Could be difficult at the breakdown.

by tigertattie Thu 19 Sep 2013, 10:34 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:Just read a bit about this Cornell du Preez chap. Sounds like just the ticket. A big tough uncompromising blindside young enough to qualify for Scotland before he enters his prime. Ideal.

He played for the boks under 20s. Is this not the SA 2nd team? I think he make be tied to SA now???

by Breadvan Thu 19 Sep 2013, 10:41 am

Dunno tbh RDW. Two difficult opening games have yielded a win and a draw away at Leinster so we should have some confidence behind us. We've our Lions players available but will they get picked to start? Personally I would, first home game and all that. If the Ospreys start our strongest possible team and without sounding too cocky, I'd expect a bp win. Hug

by mrzimmerman Thu 19 Sep 2013, 10:56 am

Breadvan wrote:Dunno tbh RDW. Two difficult opening games have yielded a win and a draw away at Leinster so we should have some confidence behind us. We've our Lions players available but will they get picked to start? Personally I would, first home game and all that. If the Ospreys start our strongest possible team and without sounding too cocky, I'd expect a bp win.

Expect a bp? Really? Ok, we've scored a couple of tries in each game but I haven't seen enough from us to suggest we could score 4.

by **RDW** Thu 19 Sep 2013, 10:59 am

mrzimmerman wrote:
Breadvan wrote:Dunno tbh RDW. Two difficult opening games have yielded a win and a draw away at Leinster so we should have some confidence behind us. We've our Lions players available but will they get picked to start? Personally I would, first home game and all that. If the Ospreys start our strongest possible team and without sounding too cocky, I'd expect a bp win.
Expect a bp? Really? Ok, we've scored a couple of tries in each game but I haven't seen enough from us to suggest we could score 4.

You've obviously not seen Edinburgh's open field defence the past few weeks!

by Breadvan Thu 19 Sep 2013, 11:11 am

Mind you. My record of predicting bp wins usually end up in 9-3 stinkers. A win will do...

by jimbopip Thu 19 Sep 2013, 11:42 am

Deep Freeze looks like a positive signing for the MFL. I hope he is serious about becoming Scottish Qualified but let's be honest: even with him you're still in for your annual festive season gubbing home and away. Remember Toonie is the 4% Muppetman.

by Tramptastic Thu 19 Sep 2013, 11:51 am

with regards to our blunt attack I think it is a) Solomons simple tactics for just now (which we were all expecting) and b) missing Matt Scott is a massive blow for us, De Luca at 13 is good for us but at 12 he is nowhere near Scott's standard of play!

by Majestic83 Thu 19 Sep 2013, 12:12 pm

tigertattie wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:Just read a bit about this Cornell du Preez chap. Sounds like just the ticket. A big tough uncompromising blindside young enough to qualify for Scotland before he enters his prime. Ideal.
He played for the boks under 20s. Is this not the SA 2nd team? I think he make be tied to SA now???

Playing for the springboks under 20s doesn't tie you to South Africa. The only team that has their u20s team designated as their 2nd team at the moment is Wales.
France did have but have had a french a team on the agenda again.
South Africa occasionally have the Emerging Springboks which is their 2nd team.

by **RDW** Thu 19 Sep 2013, 12:34 pm

Majestic83 wrote:
tigertattie wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:Just read a bit about this Cornell du Preez chap. Sounds like just the ticket. A big tough uncompromising blindside young enough to qualify for Scotland before he enters his prime. Ideal.
He played for the boks under 20s. Is this not the SA 2nd team? I think he make be tied to SA now???
Playing for the springboks under 20s doesn't tie you to South Africa. The only team that has their u20s team designated as their 2nd team at the moment is Wales.
France did have but have had a french a team on the agenda again.
South Africa occasionally have the Emerging Springboks which is their 2nd team.

Thanks for the clarification - that's definitely good news!

by GLove39 Thu 19 Sep 2013, 1:11 pm

And the good news keeps on coming, ALBA have the hairsprays game Very Happy

by tigertattie Thu 19 Sep 2013, 1:18 pm

Indeed glove.

18:30 on BBC furra linee

means I get to tell the x factor to beat it!

by funnyExiledScot Thu 19 Sep 2013, 4:38 pm

Great that it's on Alba. I'm heading to the north west this weekend and was wondering what to do if/when it rains non-stop.....

I have low expectations on this one - not expecting much. I just hope that our defence improves in open play, and the set piece (including the lineout) continues to be solid and strong. Not conceding points at each restart would also be a bonus.

I'd like to say that there's a potential "shock" on the cards here, but if the Ospreys play their Lions then I can only see an Ospreys victory.

by **RDW** Thu 19 Sep 2013, 4:51 pm

I’m not sure how much of a difference the Ospreys Lions will make. The team has done pretty well with out them and they can’t have had much of a pre-season. This will be their first game since the Lions tour and they are bound to be rusty and lacking match fitness, compared to the battle hardened players who have played all pre-season and 2 tough season openers.

by maestegmafia Thu 19 Sep 2013, 4:57 pm

Hibbard, Adam and Ian Evans have all had about 80 minutes of rugby so far this season. They are looking up to speed. I imagine Tips and AWJ will join from the bench.

by bsando Thu 19 Sep 2013, 5:06 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:Great that it's on Alba. I'm heading to the north west this weekend and was wondering what to do if/when it rains non-stop.....

I have low expectations on this one - not expecting much. I just hope that our defence improves in open play, and the set piece (including the lineout) continues to be solid and strong. Not conceding points at each restart would also be a bonus.

I'd like to say that there's a potential "shock" on the cards here, but if the Ospreys play their Lions then I can only see an Ospreys victory.

Where in the North West you heading FES?

Yes defence in open play has looked pretty frail when teams have been chucking the ball around, would be good to see that improve or Edinburgh prevent teams from being able to play freely.

Front row looks interesting and look forward to seeing how Blauw and nel do when subbed on. Tend to agree it'll be a comfortable O's victory though.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 19 Sep 2013, 5:25 pm

Greenland with any luck

by **RDW** Thu 19 Sep 2013, 5:26 pm

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

by **RDW** Thu 19 Sep 2013, 5:27 pm

I'm surprised he's rotated nel and ford just as they are getting into their stride, but he's maybe targeting home game against the scarlets next week.

New signing Hiltebrand on the bench covering hooker.

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