Cardiff boosted by return of try ace Josh for derby trip to Ospreys
CARDIFF welcome back Lions wing Josh Adams to their starting line-up as they look to make an early-season statement in today’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Ospreys at the Swansea.com Stadium (7.35pm).
Wales flyer Adams finished top try scorer with the best of British and Irish rugby in the summer, touching down eight times in five games.
He goes straight into Cardiff’s run-on XV in Swansea, as Jason Harries is ruled out by a hamstring problem. Rhys Priestland also starts, making a quick recovery from the head knock that forced him off against Connacht last time out.
The Ospreys hand a full debut to giant English back-three man Max Nagy and have Adams’ Lions squad-mate Adam Beard on the bench, but the Llandarcy-based region continue to hold fire on Alun Wyn Jones.
The Wales and Lions captain is set to be available for next week as he recharges after his exertions in South Africa.
Elsewhere, Toby Booth’s side is the same as the one that started against the Dragons in Newport in round one.
Nagy comes in for Dan Evans, who picked up a hamstring issue at Rodney Parade. Former Northampton Saints U16 and U18 player Nagy lines up at full-back but can also play on the wing. At 6ft 4in and 15st he is quick and powerful, with an appetite for counter-attacking.
Of Jones, Booth said: “He won’t be available this weekend. He will be available for the following one.”
Pencil the lock in for involvement against the Sharks in Swansea next Friday, then.
Booth was especially pleased with the performance of young back rower Jac Morgan against the Dragons, with the summer recruit from the Scarlets finishing joint-top of the URC tackle charts with 20 hits and not one of them missed.
“He’s come here as part of his development and to learn from others,” said the Ospreys head coach.
“From what I saw he’s a long way down that track.
“We have a lot of dents with Dan Lydiate and Justin Tipuric missing in that area, but the biggest compliment I can give him is that he fitted right in and delivered their sort of performance.
“That’s very encouraging for him. The more he understands what we are trying to do, the better he’ll be at it and the more impressive he’ll become.”
Cardiff make four changes all told from the side named to face Connacht, with Adams, Rhys Carre, Dillon Lewis and Tomos Williams all featuring in a strong-looking side.
Williams impressed after figuring as a replacement against Connacht. “He’s a very big running threat,” said Booth.
“We know that if they get quick ball and he’s on the front foot, he’s a handful. He’s an international player for a reason.”
Cardiff team boss Dai Young said: “There’s been a couple of changes to the starting line-up, but this is a squad game. We’ll need everyone, from one to 23, to play an important role in the performance.
“The Ospreys have come on leaps and bounds in the last 12 to 18
months. They’re looking a real quality team and we’ll have to be at our best to get a result down there.”
With both sides unbeaten after round one, something has to give in Swansea.
Just maybe it could be a memorable encounter, elements permitting. TEAMS
Ospreys: Max Nagy; Mat Protheroe, Michael Collins, Owen Watkin, Luke Morgan; Gareth Anscombe, Rhys Webb (capt); Nicky Smith, Sam Parry, Tomas Francis, Bradley Davies, Rhys Davies, Will Griffiths, Jac Morgan, Morgan Morris. Replacements: Elvis Taione, Rhodri Jones, Tom Botha, Adam Beard, Ethan Roots, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Josh Thomas, Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler
Cardiff Rugby: Hallam Amos; Owen Lane, Rey Lee-lo, Willis Halaholo, Josh Adams; Rhys Priestland, Tomos Williams; Rhys Carre, Kirby Myhill Dillon Lewis, Seb Davies, Matthew Screech, Josh Turnbull (capt), Ellis Jenkins, James Ratti. Replacements: Liam Belcher, Corey Domachowski, Dmitri Arhip, Rory Thornton, Will Boyce, Lloyd Williams, Ben Thomas, Matthew Morgan.