Preview
Today. 3pm
PROP Nicky Smith leads a much-changed Ospreys side to face the URC basement boys Zebre. The 28-year-old, who was overlooked by Wales for the Six Nations, is reportedly considering his options for next season.
Ospreys boss Toby Booth says he wants to keep Smith, but admits the freeze on player contracts means time is running out.
“We're hopeful it doesn't happen,” Booth said. “Nicky is very important to us but unfortunately with the catastrophic contractual situation, people can't wait for ever.”
Due to a number of Wales call ups, Booth has called on the youngsters. He said: “Zebre are a team that like to play in the right areas of the pitch. They can be unpredictable.
“They'll see an opportunity, being at home and with the players we have that are unavailable for selection.
“But we see this game as a great opportunity to see where our next crop of players are and to keep the momentum going.”
Ospreys' Wales hookers Dewi Lake and Sam Parry are injured while Scott Baldwin has been called up for Six Nations duty.
Hooker Tom Cowan-Dickie, brother of England's Luke, has joined the region after leaving Leicester in December, and is on the bench. Stephen Myler is back on the bench following injury with Jack Walsh starting at 10.
Centre Tommaso Boni returns to lead Zebre who are still searching for the first league win after 12 defeats. Former Bristol Bear Tiff Eden starts at 10 alongside ex-Bath scrum-half Chris Cook, while former Worcester Warrior Matt Kvesic is on the openside.
TEAMS
ZEBRE: Pani; van Wyk, Smith Jr, Boni (c), Trulla; Eden, Cook; Buonfiglio, Ribaldi, Neculai, Krumov, Furno, Andreani, Kvesic, Fox-Matamua
Replacements: Du Toit, Sanavia, Genovese, Uys, Licata, Jelic, Mazza, Prisciantelli
OSPREYS: Nagy; Morgan, Collins, Thomas-Wheeler, Giles; Walsh, Morgan-Williams; Smith (c), Taione, Botha, B Davies, Sutton, Regan, Deaves, Morris
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Phillips, Henry, Fender, T Davies, Aubrey, Myler, Hopkins
Referee: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
