The Ospreys team to play Leinster on Friday 7th January 2011, at The RDS Showground, kick off at 7.35pm, will be as follows:
15 Barry Davies
14 Nikki Walker
13 Sonny Parker
12 Ashley Beck
11 Richard Fussell
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Duncan Jones
2 Huw Bennett
3 Craig Mitchell
4 Ian Gough
5 Ian Evans
6 Tom Smith
7 Justin Tipuric (Capt)
8 Ryan Jones
Replacements
16 Mefin Davies
17 Ryan Bevington
18 Cai Griffiths
19 James Goode
20 Jonathan Thomas
21 Jamie Nutbrown
22 James Hook
23 Gareth Owen
If he comes off the bench, James Hook will make his 100th appearance for the Ospreys
The following players were not considered because of injury:
Jonathan Spratt – ACL
Ben Lewis – Neck
Ben John – Wrist
Shane Williams – Shoulder
Conor McInerney – Knee
Lee Byrne – Thumb
Jerry Collins - Calf
Ospreys Director of Coaching, Scott Johnson, said:
“They don’t come much harder in terms of the Magners League than Leinster away, so we know the size of the challenge we face at the weekend. We did pretty well out there last year but there’s no doubting they are a formidable side. It’s not an easy place to go and win.
“Our focus this week has been about ourselves and the areas where we need to improve. After the Scarlets game it was very much about making sure the players were aware that while the scoreboard told one story, our own analysis of the game told another. The reality was, that performance was some way away from where we want to be, and that was backed up by the first 50 minutes against the Blues. We are still on that upwards curve, and regardless of the personnel involved on Friday night, the expectation is that we will continue improving.
“January is traditionally a big month for the Ospreys and it’s no different this time, with big games in three different competitions that will define our season. The performance against the Blues and the changes we’ve made this weekend mean that certain players have a fantastic opportunity to put their hands up if they want to be involved in some of these big games and big occasions that are coming up.
“It’s going to be a memorable evening for Justin Tipuric, who will lead the team for the first time. He is a young man that we have real faith in. We believe he has the rugby ability and the personality to be a natural captain. Just as was the case with Alun Wyn’s appointment, it is a long-term decision that we believe will benefit the Ospreys as a whole. We want to give Justin the experience as we see him as future captain of the region.”
Forthcoming fixtures
Sun 16 Jan – London Irish V Ospreys – Madejski Stadium – Heineken Cup – 3.00pm
Sat 22 Jan – Ospreys V Toulon – Liberty Stadium – Heineken Cup – 3.30pm