Habberfield, Davies earn half-back vote in Ospreys’ derby line-up
THE Ospreys have resisted the temptation to restore Wales halfbacks Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar to their starting line-up for the Boxing Day derby against the Scarlets.
Steve Tandy has named the same line-up that beat Northampton Saints in Swansea last weekend, which means a vote of confidence for Tom Habberfield and Sam Davies in the nine and ten jerseys at Parc y Scarlets (5.35pm).
Webb and Biggar are again named among the replacements.
“We’ve seen the best of the Ospreys in the Champions Cup this season, but we have to forget about that competition now and focus firmly on improving our position in the Guinness Pro14,” said head coach Tandy.
“Scarlets and Dragons away then the Blues home at the start of 2018 is a tough schedule that will test us but we know that we’ve got to keep rising to the challenge.
“It’s important for us to use the momentum we’ve started building and the energy that comes with these derby matches to drive us on.
“For us, it’s not about local pride, or getting one over local rivals, but ensuring we get a run of performances under our belt that will make the supporters proud and allow us to put ourselves back in contention at the right end of the table.”
The Scarlets are boosted by the return of internationals Hadleigh Parkes, Aaron Shingler and John Barclay – who all missed last weekend’s win in Treviso.
Rhys Patchell has also overcome his head knock and takes his place on the bench with Dan Jones continuing at fly-half.
“We have nothing but respect for the Ospreys because of the quality within their squad,” said head coach Wayne Pivac.
“They beat us here a couple of seasons ago so we know they are a formidable side when they bring their A game.”
The match is close to being a 14,870 sell-out. SCARLETS: L. Halfpenny; J. McNicholl, S. Williams, H. Parkes, S. vans; D. Jones, G. Davies; R. Evans, K. Owens (capt), W. Kruger, T. Beirne, D. Bulbring, A. Shingler, J. Barclay, James Davies. Reps: R. Elias, W. Jones, S. Gardiner, S. Cummins, J. Macleod, A. Davies, R. Patchell, P. Asquith. OSPREYS: D. Evans; B. John, K. Fonotia, O. Watkin, J. Hassler; S. Davies, T. Habberfield; N. Smith, S. Baldwin, D. Arhip, B. Davies, AW. Jones (capt), D. Lydiate, O. Cracknell, J. Tipuric. Reps: S. Otten, P. James, M. Fia, A. Beard, R. McCusker, R. Webb, D. Biggar, A. Beck. Referee: Ian Davies (WRU).