Wales hooker Lake to return for the Ospreys against Bulls
WALES World Cup co-captain Dewi Lake will make his return from injury this weekend after being named on the bench for the Ospreys’ URC clash with the Bulls.
The Wales hooker hasn’t featured since January, having picked up a hamstring injury against Perpignan that ruled him out of the Six Nations.
However, Toby Booth has named the 24-year-old on the bench for today’s match in Pretoria as they bid to boost their URC play-off hopes.
After last week’s remarkable victory over the Stormers in Cape Town, the Ospreys are looking for another scalp – being four from four so far this season against South African opposition.
The Ospreys are also boosted by the return of Gareth Thomas, Adam Beard and Justin Tipuric in the starting XV, while Jack Walsh steps in at fly-half after impressing off the bench last week.
Luke Morgan is in line for his 100th appearance for the Ospreys after crossing for two tries last week.
“He wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Booth about Lake’s return against the physical Bulls. “Dewi loves an abrasive challenge.
“It’s interesting because Jac Morgan is also with us and he’ll return for the Leinster game. With those two around, it’s fair to say training has gone up a level on the competitive front. But that’s what you want as you’re going to be challenged in the game.
“International quality coming in is never to be balked at from any coach. We’ve got these two games, then we’ve got Leinster away when we get back.
“It’s all about energy and clarity, so you want your best players available. To get some strength in depth back in hooker and back-row is good for us. We’re still a bit thin but hopefully we can get more back when we get back to Wales.”
Ospreys: Max Nagy; Luke Morgan, Owen Watkin, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles; Jack Walsh, Luke Davies; Gareth Thomas, Sam Parry, Rhys Henry, Adam Beard, Huw Sutton, Morgan Morse, Justin Tipuric (c), Morgan Morris.
Replacements: Dewi Lake, Nicky Smith, Ben Warren, James Ratti, Harri Deaves, Reuben Morgan-williams, Owen Williams, Evardi Boshoff.
Bulls: Willie le Roux; Canan Moodie, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Kurt-lee Arendse; Chris Smith, Embrose Papie; Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, Ruan Vermaak, Reinhardt Ludwig, Nizaam Carr, Elrigh Louw (c), Cameron Hanekom.
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Simphiwe Matanzima, Mornay Smith, Janko Swanepoel, Jannes Kirsten, Zak Burger, Jaco van der Walt, Devon Williams.