Ospreys face Bordeaux-Begles on Saturday in the European Champions’ Cup Pool 2.
The Ospreys defeated the Top 14 side last week at the Liberty Stadium, but travel to Stade Cheban-Delmas for what is going to be a tough 80 minutes of rugby.
In Wales last Saturday, the Pro12 outfit won 19-16 with fly-half Dan Biggar acquiring all of the home side’s points. Bordeaux winger Jean-Baptiste Dubie was sent off last week for a rash foul on Biggar, and the pacey Frenchman is subsequently suspended.
So coming in on the right-wing for Bordeaux is Fijian international Metuisela Talebulamaijaina – not a bad replacement. However, the notable inclusion on the Bordeaux team-sheet is Australian World Cup finalist Adam Ashley-Cooper, who makes his first appearance for the French team after signing from Waratahs. He’ll play as their outside-centre.
For the Ospreys, Steve Tandy has decided to included Jeff Hassler, Ben John and Tom Habberfield into the backs, with the forwards remaining the same from last week’s game.
Ospreys are currently top of Pool 2, leading Exeter Chiefs the way on points difference. Bordeaux are third with five points, and a win could definitely take them within contention for a qualification place.
Ospreys team: Dan Evans; Jeff Hassler, Ben John, Josh Matavesi, Eli Walker; Dan Biggar, Tom Habberfield; Paul James, Scott Baldwin, Dmitri Arhip; Lloyd Ashley, Alun Wyn Jones (capt); Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, James King.
Replacements: Sam Parry, Ryan Bevington, Aaron Jarvis, Rory Thornton, Dan Baker, Martin Roberts, Sam Davies. Hanno Dirksen.
Bordeaux team: Jean-Marcellin Buttin; Metuisela Talebulamaijaina, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Julien Rey, Sofiane Guitoune; Pierre Bernard, Heini Adams; Jefferson Poirot, Clement Maynadier, Sekope Kepu; Julien Le Devedec, Berend Botha; Louis Madaule, Matthew Clarkin (capt), Marco Tauleigne.
Replacments: Ole Avei, Steven Kitshoff, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Jan Andre Marais, Loann Goujon, Yann Lesgourgues, Baptiste Serin, Darly Domvo.
