Alun Wyn rested, but Ospreys stay strong for Stade showdown
OSPREYS head coach Allen Clarke has opted to rest Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, but the remainder of his international stars are named in a strong line-up to take on Stade Francais in the European Challenge Cup at the Liberty Stadium this afternoon (3pm).
While Jones is given a well-earned break following his exploits during the autumn series, Clarke is taking no chances on home soil and includes the likes of George North, Scott Williams, Aled Davies, Nicky Smith, Adam Beard and skipper Justin Tipuric in his starting XV.
There are just three personnel changes from the side that thumped Zebre 43-0 in Swansea last time out.
Lloyd Ashley comes in to partner Beard in the second row, Ma’afu Fia gets the not at tight-head prop, while in the only switch behind the scrum, Cory Allen is named in midfield with Owen Watkin dropping to the bench.
The Ospreys have had a mixed start to their pool campaign, with a bonus-point win over Pau followed by defeat in Worcester.
However, they remain firmly in the mix for qualification, just three points behind the Warriors in Pool 2.
Clarke said: “The next five games is an important period for us as a club, with European fixtures and big derby matches ahead. Whist challenging it is particularly exciting for the players, staff and no doubt our supporters.
“The performance and result against Zebre was satisfying but there is an inherent desire to keep improving as individuals and as a team.
“Our focus has been on marginal improvements, the ‘one percenters’ of our game that define success so we constantly deliver to the best of our ability.”
Scrum coach Duncan Jones added: “They tend to have a lot of quality across the park. Stade have been going quite well within their domestic competitions, so it should be interesting.
“They always bring a physical challenge; they’ve always got to bring a little bit extra to the game.
“We’re at home so it will be really important that we get off to a good start, and try and get the performance and the result that we all want.”
Stade’s side shows just three survivors - all in the front row - from the team beaten 49-20 by Toulouse in the Top 14 last weekend.
Among those absent are French internationals Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Jules Plisson, Yoann Maestri and Fijian flyer Waisea Nayacalevu.
The former French champions have just one point from their opening two matches in the competition.
Ospreys: D Evans; G North, S Williams, C Allen, L Morgan; S Davies, A Davies; N Smith, S Baldwin, M Fia, L Ashley, A Beard, O Cracknell, J Tipuric (capt), S Cross. Reps: S Otten, R Jones, T Botha, J King, G Volpi, T Habberfield, J Hook, O Watkin.
Stade Francais: T Ensor; J Arias, M Hingano, A Arrate, J Yobo; M Steyn, C Daguin; S Clement, L Sempere (capt), G Melikidze, M De Giovanni, A Flanquart, S Nicolas, H Stassen, R Chapuis. Reps: L Panis, S Fisiihoi, M Alo Emile, W Alberts, C Francoz, A Warner, L Etien, D Camara. Referee: Tom Foley (Eng).