Fitzgerald gets nod ahead of Nacewa
With the visitors holding back on full selection, Scott Johnson has also taken a risk in naming youngster Justin Tipuric as captain and on resting several key players like James Hook, Tommy Bowe and Mike Phillips.
It’s a weakened side for sure as the Ospreys focus firmly on their remaining Heineken Cup pool games in a bid to qualify for the quarter-finals in the face of huge opposition from Toulon, Munster and London Irish — in that order.
Fitzgerald was bound to get a quick recall following his latest injury enforced absence, but Nacewa had settled in beautifully at full back for the men in blue. That leaves Leinster’s returning utility back having to be at the top of his form, particularly with an eye to replacing the injured Rob Kearney at international level in the coming weeks.
Apparently part of the reason for excluding Nacewa, who now has to fight it out with Eoin O’Malley for a place on the bench, is that the former Aucklander has played more than enough rugby and needs a break. He will get that tonight, providing Eoin O’Malley (rib injury) proves his fitness. Leo Cullen returns as captain and, in addition to welcoming back Fitzgerald, Schmidt has called upon Ireland internationals Brian O’Driscoll, Shane Horgan, Gordon D’Arcy, Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan and Fergus McFadden in a fully Irish qualified back division.
Another international, Seán O’Brien misses the visit of the Magners League champions as he recovers from a facial injury sustained against Connacht, with Dominic Ryan deputising in a back row that includes last week’s skipper Shane Jennings and Jamie Heaslip. Hook will be on the bench for the visitors, but there is no sign of Bowe, Philips, Adam Jones, Marty Holah or Alun Wyn Jones, all of whom have been rested by the Ospreys. The absence of such high profile players suggests strongly the outcome will favour Leinster.
Nevertheless, director of coaching Scott Johnson expects his outfit to present a strong challenge. “Regardless of the personnel involved, the expectation is that we will continue improving,” Johnson said yesterday.
“January is traditionally a big month for the Ospreys and it’s no different this time, with big games in three different competitions that will define our season. The changes we’ve made this weekend mean certain players have a fantastic opportunity to put their hands up if they want to be involved in some of big games coming up.”
The new skipper is delighted to be given this unexpected chance. He said: “I’m honoured to be able to lead out such a great bunch of players, and also, to be able to captain my local team that supported since long before I was fortunate enough to be able to play for them. “I captained Wales U20’s at the World Cup in 2009 for a couple of games and also the local club, Trebanos, when I was a boy. This is something completely different though. It’s always an honour to captain your side, to go out there and lead by example.”
Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore, congratulated Tipuric and believes he will make an impact: “We believe he has both the ability and personality to become a long-term captain; he is a very positive role model for all of our young players and this (captaincy) is a well earned reward for the progress he has made this season.”
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