The Ospreys team to face Leinster on Friday 23rd November in the Magners League, at Liberty Stadium, kick off at 7.10pm, will be as follows: -
15 Gareth Owen14 Nikki Walker13 Mark Taylor12 Andrew Bishop11 Aled Brew10 Shaun Connor
9 Martin Roberts
8 Filo Tiatia (Capt)7 Marty Holah6 Hale T-Pole5 Lyndon Bateman4 Andy Lloyd3 Adam Jones
2 Richard Hibbard 1 Paul James Replacements: 16 Ed Shervington17 Andrew Millward18 Mike Powell19 Tom Smith20 Rhodri Wells21 Ashley Beck22 Jonathan Vaughton
Ospreys Assistant Coach, Sean Holley, commented as follows:
"â¬ÅWhilst we were disappointed with last weeks result in Gloucester there were clear factors that prevented us from closing out the game and we were frustrated in the end not to have come away with a win. The frustration and anger has this week been turned into a focus and determination within the squad which will set us in the right frame of mind to approach the upcoming rounds of European competition. It is still early days and there is a lot of rugby still to be played before teams or commentators can start talking of qualification or non-qualification."â¬Â
"â¬ÅThis weeks game gives us an opportunity to show our capabilities as Magners League champions. Leinster will arrive highly motivated following their defeat in France last weekend and they will be looking to avenge two previous narrow defeats at the Liberty Stadium. We have a strong home record, fine support and the players in our team will be looking to make a point in advance of the fixtures against Harlequins and Ulster."â¬Â
"â¬ÅThere will be a number of fine players on show from both sides in what should be another quality Magners League fixture. With there being no autumn internationals in Ireland this season it is clear that Leinster will field a strong side which will give our players added motivation to set the standard for the Ospreys players on duty with Wales to follow on Saturday."â¬Â
Injury and squad availability news
Seventeen players are not available for selection this week
We have nine players unavailable due to Wales team commitments:
- Sonny Parker
- Gavin Henson
- James Hook
- Mike Phillips
- Jonathan Thomas
- Ian Evans
- Alun Wyn Jones
- Huw Bennett
- Duncan Jones
The following players are unavailable for selection due to injury:
Shane Williams (thigh in jury against Bourgoin), Justin Marshall (calf injury against Gloucester), Lee Byrne (twisted ankle against Gloucester), Ian Gough (sternum injury against Gloucester) will all be out for about week
Ryan Jones (shoulder) remains on schedule with his rehabilitation programme and hopes to be available for selection against Harlequins
David Bishop (knee) is expected to rejoin main squad training over the next week and should be playing within a month
Barry Williams (back) is undergoing a rehab programme "â¬" A date has not yet be set for his return
Fixture News
Upcoming fixtures are as follows:
Friday 23rd November "â¬" Magners League "â¬" Ospreys v Leinster "â¬" Liberty Stadium "â¬" 7.10pm
Sunday 2nd December - EDF Energy Cup "â¬" Harlequins v Ospreys "â¬" The Stoop "â¬" 3.00pm