14 Tom Prydie
13 Sonny Parker
12 Ashley Beck
11 Hanno Dirksen
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Duncan Jones
2 Huw Bennett
3 Cai Griffiths
4 Ian Gough
5 Ian Evans
6 Tom Smith
7 Justin Tipuric (Capt)
8 Jerry Collins
Replacements
16 Mefin Davies
17 Ryan Bevington
18 Craig Cross
19 Andy Lloyd
20 James King
21 Tom Isaacs
22 Dai Flanagan
23 Andrew Bishop
The following players were not considered because of injury:
Jonathan Spratt - ACL
Conor McInerney - Knee
Adam Jones - Elbow
Barry Davies - Groin
Marty Holah - Ribs
James Goode - Ankle
Gareth Owen - Knee
Morgan Allen - Shoulder
Eli Walker - Ankle
16 players were unavailable on international duty
Ospreys Director of Coaching, Scott Johnson, said:
"Connacht have always been a tough nut to crack, and that'll definitely be the case this weekend. They don't get too many distractions from internationals, and they've definitely evolved their game this season. They are playing an attacking game which is getting them rewards on the pitch. Just look at their recent results.
"It should be a great game of footy, we've been performing well ourselves with the current squad of players coming on well over the last month. I think we'll need to lift it another level again come Sunday, but it's going to be a really good test for these youngsters and we're really looking forward to it.
"It's a really exciting couple of months for the Ospreys. We are trying to build something special here and the kids that most people are seeing for the first time have a big part to play in that, and in our future. What we've seen from over the last month has been very encouraging. They've shown desire, commitment, integrity, diligence and a great work ethic, as well as a desire to do the right thing for the team, which bodes well for the future. It's very pleasing. I'd hope that the supporters can recognise this, really identify with what these kids are doing and get behind them.
"It's important that they continue progressing, and this team has got an opportunity over the next two weekends to really cement the Ospreys place in the top four."
Forthcoming fixtures
Sat 5 Mar - Ospreys V Glasgow - Liberty Stadium - Magners League - 6.30pm
Sat 26 Mar - Edinburgh V Ospreys - Murrayfield - Magners League - 6.30pm
There will be a one-minute silence at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday afternoon to acknowledge the victims of the earthquake in Christchurch earlier this week.
Players, management and supporters will pause ahead of kick-off (2.30pm) at the game between the Ospreys and Connacht in the Magners League to remember the victims of the earthquake that struck the New Zealand city on Tuesday.
Ospreys Managing Director, Roger Blyth, confirmed:
"A number of members of staff at the region, playing and management, have links to Christchurch and the surrounding areas, and as such, have been personally touched by events this week.
"Given these links, and the strong bonds between the Welsh and New Zealand communities, sporting and otherwise, we feel it is appropriate that we pause ahead of Sunday's game to acknowledge both the victims of the earthquake, and the typical resilience shown by the people of Christchurch in adversity."
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