Ospreys pick youth for Warriors clash
THE Ospreys have opted for another of their big reshuffles for the European Challenge Cup date with Worcester Warriors at Sixways today (3pm).
Coach Allen Clarke makes 10 changes from the team that defeated Pau 27-0 in round one.
George North, Luke Morgan, Owen Watkin, Sam Davies, Aled Davies, Scott Otten, Ma’afu Fia, Bradley Davies, Justin Tipuric and James King are all taken off the front line.
And in come Cai Evans, Keelan Giles, Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, Hanno Dirksen, Matthew Aubrey, Tom Botha, Scott Baldwin, James Ratti, Ifan Phillips and Rob McCusker.
There is some experience there, supplied by the likes of James Hook, Cory Allen, Dirksen, Rhodri Jones, Botha, Cracknell and McCusker.
But the Ospreys are also giving youth a significant fling ahead of two important home games, against Connacht and Glasgow, in the Guinness PRO14.
And some of those chosen stand every chance of coming through as serious players in the seasons ahead.
We take a look at a few of them...
CAI EVANS
The 19-year-old has been making a name for himself in age-grade rugby, showing tactical appreciation beyond his years. He can play at fly-half, where he enjoys operating as playmaker, but is also comfortable at full-back, where he features against Worcester.
He is of good stock, with his dad being Wales rugby legend Ieuan Evans, and he isn’t short of skill. It’s a European debut for him in Worcester.
TIAAN THOMAS-WHEELER
Another of the new breed, the 6ft 3in, 15st 7lb teen models himself on Sonny Bill Williams and is blessed with a wide skill set as well as being physically imposing.
The 18-year-old Llangatwg Comprehensive School product has worn orange boots in the past and spoken of his penchant for offloading.
But those who have coached him believe he has substance to go with his style.
This is his first Ospreys start.
MATTHEW AUBREY
He isn’t the biggest. In fact, at little over 5ft 6in, he is positively diminutive.
But the ex-Pontarddulais RFC, Pontarddulais Comprehensive School and Gower College player has an excellent passing and kicking game out of hand and in front of goal.
He also makes good decisions.
JAMES RATTI
Landing at the Ospreys via Dunvant RFC, Bishopston Comprehensive School and Llandovery and Gower colleges, Ratti is a lock who banked important experience during a 20-game stint with Aberavon RFC.
He also has age-grade honours against his name.
At 21, he is developing physically and among his on-pitch traits is a stubborn streak that sees him keep going when others are thinking of giving up. He also carries the ball strongly and is seen as a dynamic force.
IFAN PHILLIPS
Another youngster with a father who was once a big name in Welsh rugby, with former Neath and Wales captain Kevin Phillips being Ifan’s dad.
Phillips junior has skippered the Ospreys development side this season and scored a try-hat-trick in the win over Scarlets A.
He is comfortable with ball in hand, achieves turnovers and hits hard in the tackle.
C. Evans; H. Dirksen, C. Allen, T. Thomas-Wheeler, K. Giles; J. Hook, M. Aubrey; R. Jones, S. Baldwin, T. Botha, J. Ratti, A. Beard, O. Cracknell, R. McCusker, I. Phillips. Reps: S. Parry, G. Thomas, M. Fia, G. Volpi, M. Morris, H. Morgan, T. Williams, L. Morgan.
Ospreys: