Ospreys Team to face Leinster

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 Owen
14 Nikki Walker
13 Mark Taylor
12 Andrew Bishop
11 Aled Brew
10 Shaun Connor
9 Martin Roberts

8 Filo Tiatia (Capt)
7 Marty Holah
6 Hale T-Pole
5 Lyndon Bateman
4 Andy Lloyd
3 Adam Jones
2 Richard Hibbard
1 Paul James

Replacements:

16 Ed Shervington
17 Andrew Millward
18 Mike Powell
19 Tom Smith
20 Rhodri Wells
21 Ashley Beck
22 Jonathan Vaughton

Ospreys Assistant Coach, Sean Holley, commented as follows:

"Whilst 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."

"This 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."

"There 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."

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 and 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 - A date has not yet be set for his return.