The Ospreys team to face the Blues at the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday 13th September -- kick off at 7.35pm
, will be selected from the following squad of 25: -
Backs:
Gavin Henson, Lee Byrne, Nikki Walker, Sonny Parker,
Andrew Bishop, Tal Selley, Stefan Terblanche, Shane Williams
James Hook, Justin Marshall, Martin Roberts.
Forwards:
Ryan Jones, Richard Pugh, Jonathan Thomas, Filo Tiatia,
Andrew Lloyd, Alun Wyn Jones, Brent Cockbain, Ian Evans,
Lyndon Bateman, Richard Hibbard, Duncan Jones (Capt), Adam Jones,
Huw Bennett, Paul James.
Due to a number of late fitness tests the team will be finalised just ahead of kick off
Comment from Head Coach, Lyn Jones:
"Cardiff Blues look like formidable opposition. We still have memories from last season when they outplayed us on two occasions. The challenge is now set before the players to make up for the disappointment of last Friday and to play to our potential"
"Connacht has been a thunderbolt for us to manage but it is now behind us and what is important is how we react to the next fixture. We have two weeks of congestion during this season and although it can be difficult for players and coaches alike you just have to get on with it. I am anticipating a much improved performance and I am sure the players will restore pride to the Ospreys jersey"
Injury and squad availability news
We have five players not available for selection
Jason Spice will return from his pre-season spell with Wellington to be available against Ulster on 22nd September
Four players will not be available until 2007 -- Matthew Jones (knee), Tim Evans (knee) and Craig Mitchell (knee). David Bishop (knee) will be out for the rest of the season as it has become evident that his previous operation was not successful. He has had a further operation and will remain under long term assessment
September Fixtures
Ospreys v Blues -- Liberty Stadium -- Wednesday 13th September -- kick off at 7.35pm
Ospreys v Border Reivers -- Liberty Stadium -- Friday 15th September -- kick off at 7.10pm
Ulster v Ospreys -- Ravenhill -- Friday 22nd September -- kick off at 7.30pm
Ospreys v Gloucester -- Liberty Stadium -- Friday 29th September -- kick off at 7.10pm