Ulster v Ospreys PRO14 preview: Biggar and Piutau eyeing a fairytale finish
By Sky Sports Rugby
Last Updated: 20/05/18 3:02pm
Dan Biggar and Charles Piutau are eyeing fairytale finishes as Ospreys and Ulster meet on Sunday to qualify for next season's Champions Cup (kick-off 3.05pm).
This contest could make or break both teams' domestic campaigns as a place at the top table of European rugby is still to play for.
Ulster represent Conference B as the highest-placed team not to automatically qualify for the Champions Cup, while Ospreys have benefited from the recent success of Cardiff Blues and the European ineligibility of the Cheetahs, to represent Conference A.
Form
Ulster: LWWWD
After the high-profile court case involving then Ulster player's Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, in conjunction with the uncertainty following the appointment of new coach Dan McFarland for next season, Ulster have let their rugby do the talking.
The Irish province are unbeaten in their last four games and crucially, enjoy home advantage for the visit of the Ospreys.
Ospreys: WWLLW
Ospreys travel to Ulster having posted a win against Challenge Cup Champions Cardiff Blues in their last outing. However, their form has been hit-and-miss of late and their form on the road in Ireland has been less than convincing.
On paper for this test, they appear strong and will be hoping they can wave fly-half Dan Biggar off to Northampton Saints on a winning note.
Last meeting
Ulster 8-0 Ospreys, PRO14, April 7, 2018
Jacob Stockdale's last-minute try helped Ulster keep alive their hopes of qualification for the Pro14 play-offs by beating Sunday's opponents Ospreys 8-0 in Belfast.
John Cooney's penalty gave Ulster a 3-0 half-time lead and winger Stockdale's touchdown was the only other score. And while Stockdale's late try denied Ospreys a losing bonus-point their Champions Cup hopes weren't dashed.
Key player
Ulster - Charles Piutau
In a season marked by controversy and inconsistency, the Ulster full-back has shone. His fluid running style, eye for a gap and ambition to run from deep has stirred Ulster on numerous occasions this season.
On Sunday, it's his final game and fans will be calling for him to play that signature tune one more time.
Ospreys - Dan Biggar
In some respects, Dan Biggar is to the Ospreys what Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell are to both Leinster and Saracens respectively. The fly-half is a big-game player and has proved a commanding and influential presence for the Welsh side.
On Sunday, he needs to sign-off with another big game performance. That kind of farewell would leave a nice afterglow as fans wish him well on his next assignment.
Pre-match thoughts
Ulster - Jono Gibbes
"A win would be great, European rugby is a big deal but for me what's more important is the last impression that we make.
"For me it's more important that we show the public the effort and the attitude that we are prepared to put in for each other on the field. We are proud of who we represent and who we play alongside.
"The motivation of Europe is a given for both teams but the actual challenge on the field is the cohesiveness and contact-readiness."
Ospreys - Allen Clarke
"It's a big game, no doubt, and there is a prize for both sides at the end of it. Both teams want to be playing in the Champions Cup next season. You earn the right to play in the elite competition and, for ourselves and Ulster, it all comes down to this one game."
Team news
It will be an afternoon of farewell as Ulster trio Robbie Diack, Callum Black and Charles Piutau play their final games in Ulster colours while for Ospreys, fly-half Dan Biggar will play his final game before moving to Northampton Saints.
Ulster: 15 Charles Piutau; 14 Louis Ludik, 13 Luke Marshall, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Jacob Stockdale; 10 Jonny McPhillips, 9 John Cooney; 1 Callum Black, 2 Rob Herring (capt), 3 Ross Kane, 4 Alan O'Connor, 5 Kieran Treadwell, 6 Robbie Diack, 7 Sean Reidy, 8 Nick Timoney
Replacements: 16 John Andrew, 17 Andy Warwick, 18 Tom O'Toole, 19 Jack Regan, 20 Chris Henry, 21 Dave Shanahan, 22 Darren Cave, 23 Craig Gilroy
Ospreys: 15 Sam Davies; 14 Jeff Hassler, 13 Ashley Beck, 12 Owen Watkin, 11 Hanno Dirksen; 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Tom Habberfield; 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Scott Otten, 3 Dmitri Arhip;4 Bradley Davies, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (capt); 6 Dan Lydiate, 7 Justin Tipuric, 8 James King
Replacements: 16 Ifan Phillips, 17 Rhodri Jones, 18 Ma'afu Fia, 19 Adam Beard, 20 Sam Cross, 21 Matthew Aubrey, 22 Cory Allen, 23 James Hook
