The Ospreys team to face Connacht at the Gallway Sportsground on Friday 8th September, kick off at 6.30pm, will be as follows......
The Ospreys team to face Connacht at the Gallway Sportsground on Friday 8th September, kick off at 6.30pm, will be as follows: -
15 Lee Byrne
14 Nikki Walker
13 Sonny Parker
12 Gavin Henson
11 Shane Williams
10 James Hook
9 Justin Marshall
8 Ryan Jones
7 Richard Pugh
6 Andrew Lloyd
5 Alun Wyn Jones
4 Brent Cockbain
3 Adam Jones
2 Barry Williams
1 Duncan Jones (Capt)
Replacements:
16 Richard Hibbard
17 Paul James
18 Lyndon Bateman
19 Filo Tiatia
20 Martin Roberts
21 Andrew Bishop
22 Tal Selley
Comment from Head Coach, Lyn Jones:
"Connacht have been a difficult side for all of the Welsh regions to beat over the last few years. They are a highly motivated bunch of players, who always show great pride on their home patch. Although we were disappointed with the scoreline, our performance last weekend was a step in the right direction with 10 players playing their first game in months. We caught Connaught at a low point last May, but totally understand the size of Fridays nights challenge. Win or lose we will continue to build on each performance and we aim to hit European rugby in the best shape possible."
Injury and squad availability news
We have seven players not available for selection
Jason Spice will return from his pre-season spell with Wellington to be available against Ulster on 22nd September Ian Evans is serving his suspension and will be available for selection against the Blues on 13th September
Five players are still unavailable for this fixture due to injury: -
David Bishop (knee) and Cai Griffiths (shoulder) still hope to be available for the match against Ulster on 22nd September Three players will not be available until 2007 - Matthew Jones (knee), Tim Evans (knee) and Craig Mitchell (knee)
September Fixtures
Connacht v Ospreys - Gallway Sportsground - Friday 8th September - kick off at 6.30pm 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