The Ospreys take the wraps off Wales-qualified No. 8 Gareth Evans when they visit Edinburgh for a pre-season warm-up on Saturday (3pm).
And Dan Baker features on the bench with the three-cap international set to make his first appearance on a rugby pitch in close on two years.
From having no specialist middle-of-the-back-row operator available to them last season, the Ospreys suddenly have two, and coach Allen Clarke will look to the pair to take the team over the gain-line.
They have used James King in the role and he did a commendable job, causing the Ospreys to once again be grateful for the Wales international’s versatility, but many believe the 29-year-old’s talents are better employed elsewhere in the pack.
It will be intriguing to see what kind of impact Evans makes.
The recruit from Gloucester competed with Ben Morgan for a place at Kingsholm, with the 6ft 3in, 17st 7lb Evans offering a contrasting style to the ex-Scarlet, one based on exploiting gaps in opposition defences through quick feet and sharpness of mind.
He qualifies for Wales through a Welsh father and has family living on the Llyn Peninsula.
And there is sure to be a round of applause for Baker’s scheduled return at Murrayfield. The Ystradgynlais product, one of the game’s nice guys, took to social media this week to thank the Ospreys support staff for helping him during the long-haul recovery that has seen him sidelined for 699 days.
Naming him on the bench, the Ospreys will not be expecting too much too soon from the 27-year-old. Just to see him back on the pitch will be pleasing for head coach Clarke.
But he may yet be someone who plays an important role as the season unfolds.
Dan Lydiate starts at blindside flanker in a back row that features Olly Cracknell.
Ospreys: D. Evans; H. Dirksen, C. Allen, T. Thomas-Wheeler, K. Giles; L. Price, H. Morgan; G. Thomas, S. Parry, T. Botha, L. Ashley, J. King, D. Lydiate, O. Cracknell, G. Evans.
Reps: S.Otten, R. Jones, G. Gajion, W. Griffiths, G. Volpi, M. Morris, D. Baker, R. Morgan-Williams, M. Aubrey, J. Hook, K. Williams, T. Williams, L. Morgan.
