Biggar’s back as Davies steps down to bench duty

DAN Biggar returns for the Ospreys for their vital Guinness Pro12 encounter against Ulster at the Liberty Stadium today — with Sam Davies dropping to the bench.

Steve Tandy’s team had used the talented Davies at full-back for their games against Stade Francais and Leinster, but he endured a difficult afternoon at No. 10 in Biggar’s absence for the Judgement Day clash with Cardiff Blues, not helped by operating behind a pack that was heavily outgunned for much of the game.

Fit again after taking a bump to the head against Leinster, Biggar is restored at fly-half for the date with Ulster as the two sides battle for points to aid their play-off chances.

The Ospreys were short of leaders against the Blues and will look to the vastly experienced Biggar to point the way.

Dan Evans features at full-back, while the Ospreys recall Kieron Fonotia to the starting line-up ahead of Josh Matavesi, who is relegated LIBERTY STADIUM OSPREYS v ULSTER 3pm to the replacements, with Tom Habberfield taking over out wide from Dafydd Howells.

Up front, Tyler Ardon figures at lock after making an impact off the bench against the Blues, with the Canadian and Paul James to the fore in a final-quarter rally.

Nicky Smith holds off James’s challenge this weekend, but Sam Underhill is named at blindside flanker with James King switching to No. 8. It will be Underhill’s last game for the Ospreys at the Liberty before he switches to Bath and the Welsh region will hope the youngster’s inclusion can help spur their performance at the breakdown. Ospreys: D. Evans; K. Giles, K. Fonotia, A. Beck, T. Habberfield; D Biggar, R. Webb (capt); N. Smith, S. Baldwin, B. Mujati, B. Davies, T. Ardron, S. Underhill, J. King, J. Tipuric. Reps: S. Otten, P. James, R. Jones, L. Ashley, D. Baker, B. Leonard, S. Davies, J. Matavesi.