14 Richard Fussell
13 Tom Isaacs
12 Andrew Bishop
11 Hanno Dirksen
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Duncan Jones
2 Richard Hibbard
3 Aaron Jarvis
4 Ian Gough
5 Ian Evans
6 Tom Smith
7 Justin Tipuric (Capt)
8 Jonathan Thomas
Replacements:
16 Mefin Davies
17 Cai Griffiths
18 Joe Rees
19 James King
20 Joe Bearman
21 Matthew Morgan
22 Sonny Parker
23 Kristian Phillips
The following players were not considered because of injury:
James Goode - Groin
Craig Cross - Knee
Gareth Owen - ACL
Nikki Walker - Medial Ligament
Ross Jones - Ankle
Ashley Beck - Shoulder
Head Coach, Sean Holley, commented:
"We are getting the outcome on the scoreboard but there is still plenty for us to work on. We are tweaking a few things and ever trying to improve the players we've got.
"We're quite a young group, mixed with some experienced fellas, and it's important that we keep pushing the standards and getting things right. Even though the scoreboard has been taking care of itself, aspects of our game haven't been spot on.
"The most promising thing for us is we are fielding 22 guys who are Welsh and Hanno who will soon qualify for Wales. There's a good mix in terms of age and experience in the group.
"Connacht are a really tenacious side, well coached and well drilled. They lose very few at these sort of periods and it makes them a tough proposition. They've got a good start so they're on the bounce.
"The fact that we're at home is good for us, to go give us a bit of momentum, the fact that the game isn't on TV is a plus for us as hopefully it'll give us a bit more of a walk-up crowd, to support a team that is winning, that is playing well. Our crowd this season has been nothing short of fantastic. There's been a real core I think, and you can see a huge amount of passion. They are getting behind this group, they realise what we are doing and they are joining in."
Forthcoming fixtures
Sat 8 Oct - Munster V Ospreys - Thomond Park - RaboDirect PRO12 - 7.30pm
Sat 15 Oct - Exeter Chiefs V Ospreys - Sandy Park - LV= Cup - 7.45pm
Sat 22 Oct - Ospreys v Northampton Saints - Brewery Field - LV= Cup - 6.00pm
Fri 28 Oct - Glasgow V Ospreys - Firhill - RaboDirect PRO12 - 7.05pm
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