Zebre Vs Ospreys RP12 Friday 5th October - TEAMS ANNOUNCED

Date: Friday, October 5
Kick-off: 19:05 (18:05 BST, 17:05 GMT
Venue: Stadio XXV Aprile

Well the Ospreys make their second trip to Italy this season. It really wasn't a good result last time we were there. The Ospreys were error riddled and unable to impose anything on what was a decent Treviso side.

Now Zebre are not a patch on Treviso and the Ospreys are certainly playing much better rugby in their last two outings.

The Ospreys need to kick on from those two good performances against Scarlets and Munster. Zebre need to work out how they can impose themselves on this league, they have achieved little so far. Though there is nothing to say they won't figure out how to become a tough nut to crack. Airioni certainly had some glorious moments before.


Zebre
15 Daniel Halangahu, 14 Giovanbattista Venditti, 13 Matteo Pratichetti, 12 Gonzalo Garcia (capt), 11 Sinoti Sinoti, 10 Alberto Chiesa, 9 Alberto Chillon, 8 Andries Van Schalkwyk, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Emiliano Caffini, 5 Michael Van Vuren, 4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Luca Redolfini, 2 Davide Giazzon, 1 Matias Aguero.

REPLACEMENTS
16 Carlo Festuccia, 17 Salvatore Perugini, 18 Flavio Tripodi, 19 Filippo Ferrarini, 20 Josh Sole, 21 Luca Martinelli, 22 Alberto Benettin, 23 Leonardo Sarto.

Ospreys
15 Richard Fussell, 14 Hanno Dirksen, 13 Ashley Beck, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Eli Walker, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 1 Ryan Bevington, 2 Scott Baldwin, 3 Adam Jones, 4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt), 5 Ian Evans, 6 Ryan Jones, 7 Sam Lewis, 8 Jonathan Thomas

REPLACEMENTS
16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Aaron Jarvis, 19 Joe Bearman, 20 George Stowers, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 Ross Jones, 23 Jonathan Spratt

Referee: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Stefano Pennè (Italy), Filippo Bertelli (Italy)
Television match official: Stefano Marrama (Italy)

Will this game be on BBC2 Wales?

HERSH wrote:Will this game be on BBC2 Wales?

According to the BBC website they're showing Scarlets vs Dragons Friday night http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01n86c2

To be fair Zebre did come close to beating Glasgow, away from home, and have only had one home game this year so far. Lets not right them off completly yet. Don't think they will beat Ospreys , but could beat Glasgow Edinburgh, Dragons at home.

Wonder what the Italian Derbies are like, anyone seen one? Wonder will the Terviso v Zebre matches anything like the 1872 cup games, or Inter-Pro's or regional derbies?

Kingshu wrote:To be fair Zebre did come close to beating Glasgow, away from home, and have only had one home game this year so far. Lets not right them off completly yet. Don't think they will beat Ospreys , but could beat Glasgow Edinburgh, Dragons at home.

Wonder what the Italian Derbies are like, anyone seen one? Wonder will the Terviso v Zebre matches anything like the 1872 cup games, or Inter-Pro's or regional derbies?

I saw Treviso vs Arioni last year, good game, plenty of local passion. Italians know all about derbies.

I really hope Zebre win this one.

They need to start putting in some performances to justify there inclusion into one of the top leagues in Europe, so far they have looked out of their depth and in truth justifies the HC qualifying criteria that is being debated else where.

.

I always back the underdog in fixtures like this so I'm confused by your comment Luckless?

Lets be honest they have conceded 130pts in 4 games so the Ospreys should tear them a new one, but they don't seem to travel to well at the moment.

Can't wait to see the result come in.

.

Don't spoil the flow Luckless

Justin Tipuric was dubbed as the best openside flanker in Great Britain following another glowing performance as the Ospreys convincingly put Munster away in the RaboDirect Pro12.

His latest, impressive display came 24 hours after Wales captain and rival for the red No.7 jersey Sam Warburton was part of a Blues team demolished 48-19 at home by Ulster.

Tipuric was hugely influential at the Liberty Stadium as the league champion Ospreys showed further signs of improvement with a dominant forward showing.

And, afterwards, his back-row colleague (Englishman) Joe Bearman paid tribute to the tireless work of the youngster.


“He’s the type of perfect guy you would pick to pack down with,” said the No.8.

“In my eyes he is the best No.7 in Britain – that player is just class. ‘Tips’ is always good.

“If you watch what he does, even off the ball, he is probably the fittest guy in Wales and is such a pleasure to play with.”

The alertness of Tipuric, a Wales tourist in Australia four months ago, engineered the situation from where the Ospreys opened their try account against Munster in Swansea.

He reacted quickly to gather the ball following a charge-down in the 20th minute to put them on the front-foot.

Andrew Bishop charged forward and they produced quick ball from the ruck which followed for the centre’s midfield partner Ashley Beck to feed Richard Fussell.

Full-back Fussell shaped to pass before gliding through a half gap and sliding over near the corner.

The Ospreys bagged two other touchdowns – a penalty try at a five-metre scrum and a score for hard-working hooker Richard Hibbard – and kept Munster out at the other end.

Munster’s summer recruit, former Blues centre Casey Laulala, said: “It was nice to be back in Wales but I think we came second in all parts of the game.

“We knew what the Ospreys were going to bring with intensity, purpose and physicality.

“Fair play to them, they did what they needed to get the win.”

Munster’s points came via four penalty strikes from the trusty right boot of veteran Ireland outside-half Ronan O’Gara and one from his replacement Ian Keatley.

But they hardly looked like crossing the whitewash with the Ospreys in control for much of proceedings.

Munster’s cause wasn't helped by having substitute hooker Damien Varley sent off with seven minutes remaining for allegedly lashing out with a boot at the face of Ospreys skipper Alun Wyn Jones and earlier having flanker Tommy O’Donnell sin-binned for illegally pulling down a maul.

Outside-half Dan Biggar converted all three of the Ospreys’ tries and was successful with as many penalties to rack up a 15-point haul.

Perhaps they should have scored a fourth try to bag a bonus point but the powers-that-be in self-styled Ospreylia would have taken this result before kick-off with Munster having been on fire against the Dragons the previous weekend.

The Ospreys’ only victory of the campaign had came against the Scarlets in Llanelli but assistant coach Gruff Rees believes they are on track for the start of the Heineken Cup in a fortnight’s time.

“We’re putting sides on the back-foot more for longer periods. I think we have gone up another level but we still need to be more clinical in terms of getting returns when we visit the opposition 22 and have more patience,” he said.

Wales tight-head prop Adam Jones came on for his first league appearance of the season after recovering from a knee injury. HIs reappearance was a welcome tonic for Wales coach Warren Gatland following the loss of Six Nations player of the tournament Dan Lydiate to a serious ankle injury and the indefinite suspension of scrum-half Mike Phillips by Bayonne for allegedly breaking the French club’s rules.

“It was a good hit-out from Adam and pretty lively in terms of ball in play. He can build on the back of that,” said Rees.

“Munster are a really strong team and it was heck of a game.”

New Zealander Rob Penney, who succeeded Tony McGahan as Munster coach during the off-season, didn’t offer any excuses.

“We didn’t bring anything. For some reason we were flat and lacked the intensity we have had,” he said.

“The Ospreys did pretty well and beat us up a bit. I thought what they did was efficient. They were hurting probably after having some poor results here earlier in the season.

“They came to play and what they had we did not.”

The Ospreys led 13-0 at one point, saw O’Gara chisel away at it, bringing it back to 13-9 and 23-15 but Munster never looked like overhauling opposition who had caned them 45-10 in the play-off semi-finals of last season’s Pro12.

The Ospreys need to put out a very strong team to keep their momentum going ready for the HC games coming up., they can't afford to go backwards by putting out a weakened team. As the Ospreys are still playing catchup they need to start picking up winning bonus points they missed out in their last two games.

HERSH wrote:I really hope Zebre win this one.

They need to start putting in some performances to justify there inclusion into one of the top leagues in Europe, so far they have looked out of their depth and in truth justifies the HC qualifying criteria that is being debated else where.

3 away games, only one home game so far. Plus you say they "need to start putting in some performances" the last game they nearly beat Glasgow (a playoff team last year) away from home, surely that has to count as a performance?

Kingshu wrote:

HERSH wrote:I really hope Zebre win this one.

They need to start putting in some performances to justify there inclusion into one of the top leagues in Europe, so far they have looked out of their depth and in truth justifies the HC qualifying criteria that is being debated else where.

3 away games, only one home game so far. Plus you say they "need to start putting in some performances" the last game they nearly beat Glasgow (a playoff team last year) away from home, surely that has to count as a performance?

I doubt he paid it any interest...!

glamorganalun wrote:The Ospreys need to put out a very strong team to keep their momentum going ready for the HC games coming up., they can't afford to go backwards by putting out a weakened team. As the Ospreys are still playing catchup they need to start picking up winning bonus points they missed out in their last two games.

I agree, though i wouldn't mind if we start well and some of the lads are taken off later on for rest.

I would like to see us start with.

Duncs
Hibbard
Adam
AWJ
Ianto
Ryan
Tips
Bearman
Khan
Biggar
Issacs
Beck
Bishop
Dirksen
Fussell

Bench of

Bevs
Baldy
Jarvis
JT
Slowers
Rhys
Morgan
Ross Jones

The O's should win this one comfortably, and hopefully bag a bonus point too. They could do with it after the disasterous start to the season. However, this game would be an ideal opportunity to rest some of the old legs of the team, and let the newbies have a run around.

Yes I agree that we should win this comfortably Cari...!

Though, I think we should start with the best players to do so, certainly until we can establish a good lead.

Many of the key players like the Hair Bears, Ryan and AWJ have only played a few games so far this year.

maestegmafia wrote:Yes I agree that we should win this comfortably Cari...!

Though, I think we should start with the best players to do so, certainly until we can establish a good lead.

Many of the key players like the Hair Bears, Ryan and AWJ have only played a few games so far this year.

I'm not saying they shouldn't play at all, but they could come off the bench rather than play the full 80. I think the forwards could do with a bit of a rest.

I would like to see the first fifteen for the HEC start a match together to get ready for the HEC. Maybe making changes at front row and halfback at fifty minutes.

The choice pack have not had too much rugby yet. Duncan has missed a few games, and only played half matches, same as AWJ, Adam has had half an hour, Ryan a game and a half.

maestegmafia wrote:I would like to see the first fifteen for the HEC start a match together to get ready for the HEC. Maybe making changes at front row and halfback at fifty minutes.

The choice pack have not had too much rugby yet. Duncan has missed a few games, and only played half matches, same as AWJ, Adam has had half an hour, Ryan a game and a half.

+1, 100% agree and with the team selection and replacements, they need to continue building for the big matches.

We have a small but tight squad this year and they need to really become a unit... I chatted to a good friend who is a physio at Llandarcy and she said that the management are smiling a lot more than they were a few weeks ago, where there were a lot of loud voices in the corridors.

The word is that team and management are getting on well together and are all working together well, that the shakey start to the season was a good thing to get everyone moving forward rather than lying on previous seasons larrels

www.planetrugby.com

Zebre will be without injured fly-half Luciano Orquera for Friday's PRO12 clash with reigning champions the Ospreys at Stadio XXV Aprile.

Orquera has a sprained ankle and is replaced by Alberto Chiesa in the number 10 jersey while Giovanbattista Venditti returns on the wing.

In the only other change to Christian Gajan's starting line-up , Emiliano Caffini is included ahead of Filippo Cristiano on the blindside.

There is a great deal of movement on the bench however as Carlo Festuccia, Salvatore Perugini, Flavio Tripodi, Filippo Ferrarini, Josh Sole, Alberto Benettin and Leonardo Sarto all make the squad.


Form: Zebre gained their first ever league point during Friday's narrow 19-22 defeat at Glasgow despite being tied with just eight minutes remaining. Just one previous RadoDirect PRO12 encounter has been played in Parma: Zebre losing there 17-30 to Connacht in round two. Ospreys have won their last two games against Scarlets and Munster following losses in the first three rounds of the PRO12 this season. Ospreys have won five of their last six games played away from Liberty Stadium in the competition. The Welshmen have already lost in Italy this campaign: 6-12 at Treviso in round one. The two sides have not met before.

maestegmafia wrote:

Kingshu wrote:

HERSH wrote:I really hope Zebre win this one.

They need to start putting in some performances to justify there inclusion into one of the top leagues in Europe, so far they have looked out of their depth and in truth justifies the HC qualifying criteria that is being debated else where.

3 away games, only one home game so far. Plus you say they "need to start putting in some performances" the last game they nearly beat Glasgow (a playoff team last year) away from home, surely that has to count as a performance?

I doubt he paid it any interest...!

Oh I did Mae, I love to watch what's going on in the Rabo, because lets face it it's all us lot on here are going to hear about all week, well until more sub-sections are created!

How I long for a Rabo free day.

And yet you keep commenting on Rabo threads, which guarantees that your 'My Posts' page will be Rabo-themed.

Thats because they take over the Club rugby section and they're not even clubs!

But thats another story, please stay on topic for Maes sake.

HERSH if your going to stay fixated with the Rabbo threads then please stay on topic.

HERSH wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Kingshu wrote:

HERSH wrote:I really hope Zebre win this one.

They need to start putting in some performances to justify there inclusion into one of the top leagues in Europe, so far they have looked out of their depth and in truth justifies the HC qualifying criteria that is being debated else where.

3 away games, only one home game so far. Plus you say they "need to start putting in some performances" the last game they nearly beat Glasgow (a playoff team last year) away from home, surely that has to count as a performance?

I doubt he paid it any interest...!

Oh I did Mae, I love to watch what's going on in the Rabo, because lets face it it's all us lot on here are going to hear about all week, well until more sub-sections are created!

How I long for a Rabo free day.

I could arrange that for you if you like Hersh


Of course it would also be an AP, ITM, Curry Cup, Top 14, HEC, Amlin and International free day

Then please stop trying to discredit my comments on the Zebre v Osprey game Mae!

Didnt think u needed anyones help with that hersh

Apparently cuddy has stepped down

Smirnoffpriest wrote:Apparently cuddy has stepped down

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/19825962

HERSH wrote:

Oh I did Mae, I love to watch what's going on in the Rabo, because lets face it it's all us lot on here are going to hear about all week, well until more sub-sections are created!

How I long for a Rabo free day.

What I think is hilarious about this is that HERSH feels he has to get involved with RP12 teams, (particularly Welsh ones) to feel integrated to an internet forum site. Where as I have recently moved to England and am now a season ticket holder of Bath RFC and have attended every match at the REC because I can't get back to Swansea enough to watch the Ospreys.

We all need our rugby fix.

HERSH wrote:Then please stop trying to discredit my comments on the Zebre v Osprey game Mae!

You haven't made any worthwhile on topic comments other than asking whether this game was on BBC on friday in your first post.

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:

I could arrange that for you if you like Hersh


Of course it would also be an AP, ITM, Curry Cup, Top 14, HEC, Amlin and International free day

Pete you are a legend that would be great thanks.

The other joint managing director, Roger Blythe, and chief operations officer Andrew Hore will take over Cuddy's dat-to-day role at Ospreys.
However, Cuddy will remain as a director and shareholder.
The mutual decision is thought to have been reached so that Cuddy can focus on his business interests outside rugby which includes a Neath-based building and demolition firm.
The Ospreys statement read: "In common with the other regional sides in Wales, Ospreys Rugby has faced a significant number of challenges in the last few years including financial difficulties, some of which has been well documented.

Interesting. I thought Cuddy was going to gradually fall by the wayside this season but didn't think it would be so soon.

You’re still at it Mae let it go and stay on topic.

C'mon on Zebre stand up and be counted against the mighty Ospreys, miracles do happen from time to time.

The Ospreys statement reads

“In common with the other regional sides in Wales, Ospreys Rugby has faced a significant number of challenges in the last few years including financial difficulties, some of which has been well documented.


“Following the successful conclusion of a number of initiatives which directors and shareholders have been involved in, Ospreys Rugby can now look forward confidently to a more stable future.

“Recognising this, and given the other commitments of some of the principal people involved in managing the organisation, Ospreys Rugby has taken the opportunity to reorganise its management structure.

“Mike Cuddy will step down from day to day management of the rugby operation and will also relinquish his position as a joint Managing Director with immediate effect. Roger Blyth and Andrew Hore will between them assume the duties previously undertaken by Mike Cuddy.

“Ospreys Rugby wish to thank Mike Cuddy for the efforts he has put in over the years since the region's formation.

“He remains a director and shareholder.

“The changes announced today will lay the foundations for a more stable and prosperous future and allows the region to move forward with a high degree of confidence.”



Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/10/04/mike-cuddy-steps-down-as-ospreys-managing-director-91466-31964457/#ixzz28KCtgiv4

Back to rugby matters

Here is Jon Humphrey's Press meeting

http://www.ospreysrugby.com/matchdaytv/?play=media&id=12983

The Ospreys team to play Zebre at Stadio XXV Aprile on Friday 5th October, KO 7.05pm, is as follows:

15 Richard Fussell

14 Hanno Dirksen

13 Ashley Beck

12 Andrew Bishop

11 Eli Walker

10 Dan Biggar

9 Kahn Fotuali'i

1 Ryan Bevington

2 Scott Baldwin

3 Adam Jones

4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

5 Ian Evans

6 Ryan Jones

7 Sam Lewis

8 Jonathan Thomas

REPLACEMENTS

16 Richard Hibbard

17 Duncan Jones

18 Aaron Jarvis

19 Joe Bearman

20 George Stowers

21 Rhys Webb

22 Ross Jones

23 Jonathan Spratt

Richard Hibbard will make his 150th Ospreys appearance if he comes off the bench

The following players were not considered because of injury:

Justin Tipuric - Hip

Tom Smith - Groin

James Goode - Groin

Tom Habberfield - Ankle

James King - Shoulder

Head Coach Steve Tandy said:

"This is a big game for us and it's important that we keep the momentum that we've built up over the last couple of weeks going. The whole squad has worked hard and last Saturday you could see clear signs that we are heading in the right direction.

"The win over Munster was about attitude, desire and commitment, typified by the way the team defended in their 22 in the closing minutes, they weren't content to just sit back with the game won. We can't get carried away though, we realise that we aren't perfect and we've still got a lot of work to do, there's plenty to put right.

"It's the first time for us to play Zebre but as a group we are all well aware of the threat they'll pose. We've struggled in Italy before, not least the defeat to Treviso at the start of this season so we know that we will have to approach the game just like we did the Scarlets and Munster matches and be at our very best, before coming home to kick-off Europe against Treviso at the Liberty Stadium the following Friday, another very difficult game against a very good team where we'll need the backing of a big, passionate crowd to help us."

Nice mix of youth and experience in the pack, and good to see Adam J back and Baldwin getting a shot. Probably your strongest backline as well - though this may have been a good game to give Ross Jones a shot.

Pretty solid team. Wasn't aware that Tipuric had a hip injury re-occur. Sam Lewis will be glad of a start and he is surrounded by a very good pack.

No kidding that this is the team I wanted to see. Surprised to see Morgan not on the bench, I thought it would have been good to give him half a game at 10 so he was ready for bench duty should Biggar get an injury or loss of form.

Leaving us without a recognised flyhalf anywhere on the pitch should Biggar get injured there is a risk.

Has anyone seen Ross Jones play ten ?

I see I'm the only one who went for Zebre. Os outside wales is different to Os in wales. I think Munster failed to match Os but I think Zebre will. If Zebre win it will be 12 -10 or lower

Smirnoffpriest wrote:Nice mix of youth and experience in the pack, and good to see Adam J back and Baldwin getting a shot. Probably your strongest backline as well - though this may have been a good game to give Ross Jones a shot.

I agree regarding Ross Jones, he really looked good when he came on last week and was superb for Wales U20s in SA. There is, as you mentioned a lot of youth in this team. Sam Lewis, Baldwin, Bevington and Eli Walker all have had a good few games to show what they have.

Walker has been out for a while with injury. Pacy lad, but has defensive frailties.

Brendan wrote:I see I'm the only one who went for Zebre. Os outside wales is different to Os in wales. I think Munster failed to match Os but I think Zebre will. If Zebre win it will be 12 -10 or lower

Fair point... Though I would say that the manner of play not the location was what has made the difference in the last two games. Mistakes were reduced, intensity built and the Set Piece works, line out and scrummaging in the last two matches was as good as I have seen for the Ospreys.

Tipuric being injured is a sore point, he really is a dynamo, in attack and defence, for us and he will be missed. But good to see Sam Lewis get a chance to prove his worth.

I do think the O's will win but not sure how tight. If the Os don't score 15pts i think they'll lose. Zebre seem to score points fine it is keeping them out they have the trouble with.

Brendan wrote:I do think the O's will win but not sure how tight. If the Os don't score 15pts i think they'll lose. Zebre seem to score points fine it is keeping them out they have the trouble with.

In one post you said that Zebre would win, now have you changed your mind?

Zebre could win, but going on the last few games I would say that the Ospreys look the better team by a distance and if they were to lose this they will be kicking themselves.

Good team, Adam needs a game as he looked slow and over weight warming up and when he came on last week. As Maes stated Walker is poor in defence, the other worry is Thomas playing 8, he is a good 6 but not an 8, R Jones should be playing 8 to carry the ball as Thomas ends up going backwards.

Yes I agree, I would have prefered to see Stowers, Bearman or Ryan start at 8 but at least it is not for an HEC match.

I am kind of concerned that we are not starting as we mean to continue. As I said before I would like to see the HEC style starting XV begin this match. Even if they were only on the pitch for half of it.

Where's Tips?

I won't pretend I'm not concerned with Sam Lewis starting, 5'10 and 15 stone i'd be worried about someone that size in the backs never mind the pack, and I have yet to see anything in his game that makes him stand out as a Martyn Williams type flanker.

That will probably be our weakness with Zebre potentially beating us at the break down.

Same build as Pocock by the sounds of it. How old is this Sam Lewis then?