The Ospreys team to face Leinster in the Magners League,at the Liberty Stadium (Friday 27th April "â¬" kick off at 7.10pm), will be as follows.....
The Ospreys team to face Leinster in the Magners League - Liberty Stadium - Friday 27th April - kick off at 7.10pm, will be as follows: - 15 Stefan Terblanche 14 Nikki Walker 13 Sonny Parker 12 Andrew Bishop 11 Shane Williams 10 Shaun Connor
9 Justin Marshall
8 Filo Tiatia 7 Richard Pugh 6 Ryan Jones 5 Alun Wyn Jones 4 Jonathan Thomas 3 Adam Jones
2 Huw Bennett 1 Paul James (Capt)
Replacements:
16 Richard Hibbard 17 Duncan Jones 18 Mike Powell 19 Lee Beach 20 Martin Roberts 21 James Hook / AN Other
22 Lee Byrne
Late fitness tests will be undertaken by James Hook (ankle), Brent Cockbain (dead leg), Ryan Jones (shoulder), Alun Wyn Jones (ankle) and Mike Powell (calf)
Comment from Head Coach, Lyn Jones:
"Tuesday evening's performance against the Scarlets represented a tremendous effort, in difficult conditions and in front of a Stradey Park crowd that was every bit as hostile as we had anticipated. We were delighted to come through in front of another huge and inspirational travelling support. It was a night for the rugby puritans with both Ospreys and neutral supporters going away at the end of the match having enjoyed a great fixture."
"It is a difficult time as we approach the end of the season, with players feeling a bit beaten up and carrying niggling injuries, particularly following physical confrontations such as the Scarlets. It is hardly the best time to face a Leinster side which is on form, at the top of the table and aiming to secure the title. They have a positive attitude to playing the game which is akin to the Scottish sides, and matches against Leinster are traditionally great rugby contests and a pleasure for both spectators and players. They have strength throughout their squad and a mental strength which has been hewn from years of success."
"We were severely criticised in the Irish press for the side we fielded against Leinster back in January, prior to the round 5 Heineken Cup fixtures and following a packed Christmas programme. We have no such distractions this time out but I still expect that our home record will be challenged. This is our last fixture at the Liberty Stadium this season are we still in very much in contention to win the Magners League, but as I have said previously it is all about maintaining our focus, taking each game as it comes and hopefully other results will go our way. We are playing with a confidence and direction gained from our great form in 2007, with our home supporters behind us we will face Leinster expecting to get the result."
Injury and squad availability news
In addition to the above fitness tests six players are unavailable for selection:
Andy Lloyd (concussed against Munster) will available for selection against Glasgow next week
Steve Tandy's (pectoral muscle tear), Gavin Henson (knee ligament), Ian Evans (shoulder), Lyndon Bateman (knee ligament) and David Bishop (knee) will not be available to play again this season
Remaining fixtures Glasgow v Ospreys (Magners League) - Hughenden - Friday 4th May - kick off at 7.30pmDragons v Ospreys (Magners League) - Rodney Parade - Tuesday 8th May, kick off at 7.35pm
Border Reivers v Ospreys (Magners League) - Netherdale - Weekend commencing Friday 11th May tbc