Preview: Ospreys v Dragons
The Ospreys will host the Dragons at the Liberty Stadium on Friday in the weekend's only Magners League game, and will again be without Gavin Henson.
The Ospreys will host the Dragons at the Liberty Stadium on Friday in the weekend's only Magners League game, and will again be without Gavin Henson.
Henson, who suffered ligament damage to his ankle against Saracens, is expected to be back in action against Edinburgh next weekend. To that effect Andrew Bishop continues to partner Sonny Parker in midfield.
Richard Hibbard, who is being tipped to tour with Wales in the summer, retains the hooker's jersey, keeping Wales' first choice number two Huw Bennett on the bench. Another Welsh international forced onto the bench is Duncan Jones, with Paul James preferred at loosehead.
Filo Tiatia retains his place in the back row, meaning Jonathan Thomas has to settle for a place on the bench, although Tiatia does shift from number eight to six to accommodate captain Ryan Jones.
Ospreys Head Coach Lyn Jones knows the importance of Friday's game as his side look to finish the season as the highest placed Welsh side.
“Friday night's game looks sure to be another tough challenge, Welsh derby matches always are, but it is a fixture that we must win if we are to achieve our double aims of Heineken Cup qualification for next season and to finish as the highest placed Welsh side,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Dragons make four changes to the team that faced Connacht ahead of their game, with Kevin Morgan in at full back for the injured Martyn Thomas and Ben Daly selected at hooker as Steve Jones moves to the bench.
Andrew Hall will play in the second row for Adam Jones, due to illness. and Richard Parks returns from injury with Michael Owen moving to the replacements bench.
“We assessed the squad after last weekend and the changes made are due to both combination and form,” said Head Coach Paul Turner.
“It's good to have Richard Parks back after injury. The players are well aware of the need to put in a huge performance at the Liberty Stadium on Friday.”
Ospreys: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Johnny Vaughton, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Shane Williams, 10 James Hook, 9 Justin Marshall, 8 Ryan Jones (c), 7 Marty Holah, 6 Filo Tiatia, 5 Alun-wyn Jones, 4 Ian Gough, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Ian Evans, 19 Jonathan Thomas, 20 Gareth Owen, 21 Jonathan Spratt, 22 Aled Brew.
Dragons: 15 Kevin Morgan, 14 Gareth Wyatt, 13 Paul Emerick, 12 Rhodri Gomer Davies, 11 Richard Mustoe, 10 Ceri Sweeney, 9 Andy Williams, 8 Joe Bearman, 7 Richard Parks, 6 Colin Charvis (c), 5 Luke Chateris, 4 Andrew Hall, 3 Rhys Thomas, 2 Ben Daly, 1 Adam Black.
Replacements: 16 Steve Jones, 17 Lee Harrison, 18 Michael Owen, 19 Lewis Evans, 20 Aled Thomas/Jason Tovey, 21 Phillip Dollman, 22 Wayne Evans.
Date: Friday 25 April, 2008
Kick-off: 19:35 BST (18:35 GMT)
Venue: Liberty Stadium
Referee: Tim Hayes (Wales)