Ospreys Team to face Ulster

Speaking ahead of the game Head Coach Lyn Jones commented as follows:

"Friday night presents us with another stern challenge in the shape of an Ulster side who will no doubt be hurting after a heavy defeat against Munster last weekend and will be keen to bounce back so we realise that we'll have to be at our best.

We've played them three times already this season, twice at Ravenhill and once here at the Liberty Stadium, and the two away games were both very tight affairs so we are under no illusions that it will be another difficult match this time around.

Ulster command massive respect because of their history in the Magners League, and although they have had a difficult season, they appear to be turning the corner and have picked up some good wins against Welsh sides recently.

"This is another big game for us, we need the win in order to start moving up the Magners League as we look to target Cardiff Blues who are in touching distance, two places and eight points clear of us.

It's nice to have a full squad to choose from, which is something that hasn't happened too often in the Magners League this season. The contribution we have made to the international set-up this season, be it World Cup, Prince William Cup or Six Nations, means that we have only had our full squad available to us on three occasions in the twelve games that we have played so far, so our squad has been tested to the limit at times.

We've had some tough decisions to make regards team selection this week, and we've had to take into account the number of games certain players have been involved in recently, as well as an incredibly busy schedule over the coming weeks.

"I'm sure that there'll be something of a buzz about the Liberty Stadium on Friday night following our victory over Saracens last weekend. Once again our supporters turned out in big numbers to create a fantastic atmosphere which helped play a part in our success, and that is something everybody in the camp is grateful for. Hopefully we'll give them something to cheer again on Friday night."

Team:

15 Johnny Vaughton
14 Nikki Walker
13 Sonny Parker
12 Andrew Bishop
11 Shane Williams
10 James Hook
9 Justin Marshall

8 Filo Tiatia (Capt)
7 Ben Lewis
6 Jonathan Thomas
5 Ian Evans
4 Ian Gough
3 Cai Griffiths
2 Huw Bennett
1 Duncan Jones

Replacements:

16 Richard Hibbard
17 Paul James
18 Alun-Wyn Jones
19 Tom Smith
20 Rhys Webb
21 Shaun Connor
22 Jonathan Spratt


Injury and squad availability news
Just one player is not available for selection this week:

Barry Williams is undergoing a four-month rehabilitation programme following keyhole surgery on his hip in January and will not play again this season

Forthcoming fixtures are as follows:

Magners League - Saturday 19th April - Munster V Ospreys - Musgrave Park - 7.30pm

Please note that all fixtures are subject to change