The region last played in Bridgend back in February 2013 when they were narrowly beaten 16-12 by eventual tournament winners Harlequins.
Steve Tandy’s side have lost all three of their fixtures in the Anglo-Welsh competition so far this term but the former Bridgend boss is desperate to end on a high when they head back to his old stomping ground.
“There has been some fantastic occasions at the Brewery Field with the Ospreys, some great crowds and matches to remember, and we want to make this another occasion that rewards the local community for coming out to support the cause,” said Tandy.
“We’re all looking forward to going back to Bridgend, and hopefully we’ll get another warm welcome and good crowd there showing their support for regional rugby.
“This is an important game for us in terms of building for what is going to be a big few weeks for this group of players. The next month can make or break our campaign in terms of the PRO12 play-offs, with games against Ulster, Treviso, Munster and Edinburgh coming up, so it’s important that we get some momentum going on Friday night that can carry us through these difficult games.”
Tandy has named a young team for Friday’s fixture with a Sale outfit who know that a bonus-point victory will guarantee them a spot in the semi-finals in early March.
He expects the senior names like Richard Fussell and captain Jonathan Spratt to step up and lead the way against the Sharks, though, as they look to make up for previous losses to Leicester, Cardiff Blues and Exeter.
“There’s a youthful look to the line-up again, but with some senior figures coming in to strengthen the team from last weekend. Just as the youngsters have to take the opportunity to show what they can do, the senior players have to take responsibility for leadership of the group at this time,” added Tandy.
Edinburgh lock Perry Parker gets an immediate chance to make an impression from the replacements bench after he moved to Wales from the Scottish capital yesterday.
The 26-year-old, who has played 15 times for Edinburgh since joining from RFU Championship side Esher, will provide cover for Wales squad members Alun Wyn Jones and James King and the injured Ryan Jones and suspended Ian Evans.
“Perry Parker is a player who has caught the coaching team’s eye in the PRO12 and we are delighted to secure his services on loan for the remainder of the season,” said Andy Lloyd, the Ospreys’ rugby operations manager. “We look forward to seeing him making a big contribution to our push for the play-offs over the coming months.
“With four of our senior options in the second row unavailable, we felt it was prudent to bring in additional cover for a busy period that has a huge bearing on the final placings in the PRO12 and the make-up of the play-offs.
“We have some very talented young locks coming through the development pathway, as we have seen during the LV= Cup period but, with the PRO12 providing a step-up in intensity, it wouldn’t be realistic or fair on some of the boys, given where they are in terms of their personal development, to rely entirely on the up and coming players in the group.”
Ospreys side to face Sale Sharks, Friday, 7.30pm
R. Fussell; T. Grabham, J. Spratt (Capt), M. Jenkins, A. Aisea Natoga; S Davies, T. Habberfield; N. Smith, S. Baldwin, D. Suter, L. Peers, R. Hughes, T. Ardron, D. Baker, L. Evans
Replacements: M. Dwyer, M. Thomas, J. Rees, P. Parker, M. Allen, A. Ellis, M. Morgan, A. Beck
