Wales hooker Dewi Lake will start in the unfamiliar position of openside flanker as the Ospreys host Perpignan in the EPCR Challenge Cup.The Ospreys are facing an injury crisis in the back-row with Jac Morgan, Justin Tipuric, Harri Deaves, Morgan Morris, and Rhys Davies all sidelined, meaning Lake will have to fill in at number seven.
Toby Booth's side started their Challenge Cup campaign with a home victory over Benetton before suffering a heavy defeat in Montpellier.But a win at the Swansea.com Stadium tonight would propel the Welsh side towards the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup.
The Ospreys are in good form having won four of the last six matches while they emerged victorious in both their Welsh derbies against the Scarlets and Cardiff, respectively, over the festive period.French outfit Perpignan currently lie in 10th position in the Top 14, and are embroiled in a relegation battle which may mean their priorities lie elsewhere. Kick-off is at 8pm.
You can follow live updates below. Ospreys: Iestyn Hopkins; Mat Protheroe, George North, Owen Watkin, Keelan Giles; Dan Edwards, Luke Davies; Gareth Thomas, Sam Parry, Tom Botha, James Fender, Adam Beard (capt), James Ratti, Dewi Lake, Morgan Morse. Replacements: Ethan Lewis, Garyn Phillips, Ben Warren, Lewis Jones, Will Hickey, Cameron Jones, Jack Walsh, Keiran WilliamsPerpignan: Louis Dupichot; Boris Goutard, Eddie Sawailau, Apisai Naqalevu, Lucas Dubois; Jake McIntyre, Sadek Deghmache; Akato Fakatika, Ignacio Ruiz, Nemo Roelofse, Tristan Labouteley, Shahn Eru, Lucas Bachelier, Kelian Galletier (capt), So'otala Fa'aso'o. Replacements: Victor Montgaillard, Sacha Lotrian, Arthur Joly, Bastien Chinarro, Alan Brazo, Joaquin Oviedo, Matteo Rodor, Jean-Pascal Barraque.Re