The Ospreys team to play Cardiff Blues at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday 2nd April 2011, kick off at 6.30pm, will be as follows:
15 Richard Fussell
14 Tommy Bowe
13 Sonny Parker
12 James Hook
11 Nikki Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Paul James
2 Huw Bennett
3 Adam Jones
4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
5 Ian Evans
6 Ryan Jones
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Jerry Collins
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard
17 Ryan Bevington
18 Cai Griffiths
19 Ian Gough
20 Jonathan Thomas
21 Mike Phillips
22 Andrew Bishop
23 Lee Byrne
Cai Griffiths will make his 100th Ospreys appearance if he comes off the bench
The following players were not considered because of injury:
Jonathan Spratt – ACL
Gareth Owen – Knee
Morgan Allen – Ankle
Tom Prydie – ACL
Jamie Nutbrown – Shoulder
Craig Cross – Hamstring
Ben John – Wrist
Shane Williams – Knee
Craig Mitchell – Shoulder
Ben Thomas – Knee
Richard Kelly – Lower leg
Head Coach, Sean Holley, commented:
“It’s a big game, as these matches always are, and there’s more at stake then usual with the play-offs places up for grabs. Both teams will be looking for the win that will keep them well in contention, so I’m expecting a pretty tough 80 minutes and a really close game.
“It was very disappointing last weekend, and we have to improve hugely on that performance if we are going to do well against the Blues. The players know that, and they’ve worked hard in training this week. They’ve really showed good endeavour, they realise how badly they performed in Edinburgh and want to set the record straight. What better stage for that is there than in a Welsh derby at the Liberty Stadium in front of a big crowd? It’ll be good to see plenty of Ospreys fans there backing their team and playing their part, it should be a great atmosphere.
“We’ve got to do the basics right, be clinical and diligent, know our own roles, do our homework on the opposition and make sure we prepare correctly. If we do that, then we should get a good performance and get our play-off push back on track.”
Forthcoming fixtures
Fri 15 Apr – Newport Gwent Dragons V Ospreys – Rodney Parade – Magners League – 7.05pm
Sat 23 Apr – Ospreys V Munster – Liberty Stadium – Magners League – 6.30pm
Fri 6 May – Aironi V Ospreys – Stadio Luigi Zaffanella – Magners League – 7.05pm (UK time)