The Ospreys team to face Cardiff Blues in the EDF Energy Cup Semi Final, at the Millenium Stadium - Saturday 24th March, kick off at 5.15pm, will be as follows: -
The Ospreys team to face Cardiff Blues in the EDF Semi Final, at the Millenium Stadium - Saturday 24th March, kick off at 5.15pm, will be as follows: - 15 Lee Byrne
14 Shane Williams
13 Sonny Parker
12 Andrew Bishop
11 Nikki Walker
10 James Hook
9 Justin Marshall
1 Duncan Jones (captain)
2 Huw Bennett
3 Adam Jones
4 Brent Cockbain
5 Alun Wyn-Jones
6 Ryan Jones
7 Jonathan Thomas
8 Filogia Tiatia
Replacements
16 Barry Williams
17 Paul James
18 Andrew Lloyd 19 Richard Pugh20 Shaun Connor
21 Jason Spice
22 Stefan TerblancheComment from Head Coach, Lyn Jones:
"This will be a well contested game between two evenly balanced sides. The Blues have proven quality and experience across the park, whereas we are a young team with undoubted potential. They have caused us problems in our last four fixtures and have shown themselves to be a well coached and organised outfit. If we are to be successful on Saturday the key will be to focus on our own game plan and to not allow them to dictate the structure of the match. They have strength throughout their side and you cannot highlight or target individuals when you come up against a side with quality in so many key areas."
"The EDF Energy Cup is a competition in only its second year and I am sure it will continue to develop year on year. I am confident it will cement its place as a permanent part of the season as any competition that gives us a chance to enjoy Anglo-Welsh fixtures is attractive to players, coaches and supporters. The game needs competitions like this and both sides of the border will benefit in the longer term."
Injury and squad availability news
Four players are unavailable for selection this week:
Gavin Henson knee ligament injury is progressing on schedule.
Ian Evans (shoulder), Lyndon Bateman (knee ligament) and David Bishop (knee) remain on track with their rehabilitation programmes and all are looking forward to taking a full part in pre-season training
Current remaining fixtures
Ospreys v Blues (EDF Energy Cup Semi Final) - Millennium Stadium - Saturday 24th March - kick off at 5.15pm
Ospreys v Munster (Magners League) - Liberty Stadium - Saturday 7th April - kick off at 5.30pm
Ospreys v Leinster (Magners League) - Liberty Stadium - Friday 27th April - kick off at 7.10pm
Glasgow v Ospreys (Magners League) - Hughenden - Weekend commencing Friday 4th May tbc
Border Reivers v Ospreys (Magners League) - Netherdale - Weekend commencing Friday 11th May tbc