Hardy returns against Lyon as Ospreys chase history

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Ospreys have reached the quarter-final of the European Challenge Cup for a second year in a row [Getty Images]

European Challenge Cup: Ospreys v Lyon

Venue: Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea Date: Saturday, 12 April Kick off: 17:30 BST

Coverage: Listen and live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

Head coach Mark Jones has made just one change to his starting XV as Ospreys look to make history in the European Challenge Cup.

Wales scrum-half Kieran Hardy returns to face Lyon on Saturday, as Ospreys bid to reach a European semi-final for the first time.

Hardy sat out last Sunday's last-16 win against Scarlets, during which influential number nine Reuben Morgan-Williams suffered a head injury.

Morgan-Williams has been deemed fit to be on the bench for the quarter-final, with his second-half replacement last weekend, Luke Davies, the player dropping out of Ospreys' match-day 23.

Lyon make nine changes including seven in their pack where only prop Hamza Kaabeche remains. Scrum-half Charlie Kassang and wing Ethan Dumortier also come into the side.


Ospreys are again seeking a place in the last four, just a year after winning a knock-out game in Europe for the first time when they overcame Sale.

However, 12 months ago they went on to lose 23-13 at Gloucester at the quarter-final stage of this competition.

This year they have home advantage in their last-eight tie after finishing runners-up in Pool 2, despite a heavy defeat in Montpellier. Victories against Lions, Newcastle and another French side Pau saw them set-up last weekend's six-try victory against Scarlets.

"We played to a very high-level last time out against the Scarlets, but we know we'll have to improve this week against Lyon," said head coach Jones.

"They are a very dynamic team, with a lot of athletic players that can create line break opportunities on a moment's notice."

Lyon, currently seventh in France's Top14 league, also finished second in their pool with victories against Cardiff, Zebre and Cheetahs, losing only in Connacht.

The 2022 champions then overcame Sharks 34-21 to reach the last eight.

"There was a great atmosphere at the Swansea.com Stadium [against Scarlets] and we're hoping to see something similar this week," added Jones.

"It made a massive difference, having everyone get behind the boys, and I know our supporters will get behind them again for this quarter-final."

This weekend's winners will face either Racing 92 or Connacht in the semi-final, with the final at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday, 23 May.

Ospreys:Jack Walsh; Dan Kasende, Evardi Boshoff, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles; Dan Edwards, Kieran Hardy; Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake, Tom Botha, Rhys Davies, Adam Beard, Jac Morgan (capt), Justin Tipuric, Morgan Morris.

Replacements: George McGuigan, Garyn Phillips, Ben Warren, James Fender, Morgan Morse, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Owen Williams, Iestyn Hopkins.

Lyon: Alexandre Tchaptchet; Vincent Rattez, Josiah Maraku, Theo Millet, Ethan Dumortier; Leo Berdeu, Charlie Cassang; Wayan De Benedittis, Sam Matavesi, Hamza Kaabeche, Felix Lambey (capt), Alban Roussel, Steeve Blanc-Mappaz, Beka Shvangiradze, Maxime Gouzou.

Replacements: Guillaume Marchand, Sebastien Taofifenua, Valentin Simutoga, Mickael Guillard, Theo William, Dylan Cretin, Baptiste Couilloud, Alfred Parisien.

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)

Assistant referees: Peter Martin & Andrew Cole (IRFU)

TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)

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