Munster v Ospreys: Guinness PRO12 preview
Last Updated: 14/02/16 8:44pm
Springbok JJ Engelbrecht makes his first start for Ospreys as they travel to Cork to take on Munster in the Guinness PRO12.
Engelbrecht partners Josh Matavesi in the midfield while fly-half Sam Davies is joined by captain Brendan Leonard in the half-backs.
Both sides are in need of a win to stay in the hunt for a play-off spot at the end of the season, with Ospreys in particular struggling in seventh place after six wins from 13, but coach Steve Tandy is not allowing any panic to set in.
"The PRO12 is tighter than ever and we know that with results this season showing that everybody is capable of beating each other, there is everything left to play for" said Tandy.
"Anything can happen and you can expect to see plenty of movement in the table over the next few weeks as results go one way then another.
"For us it's about us looking at the remaining fixtures as nine battles that we've got to be up for week by week if we are going to achieve our overall aim, starting in Cork on Sunday against the team who are one place above us.
"We've got an exciting young group who are growing in our environment and getting some miles on the clock at the sharp end. They understand what is expected of them within our culture, are striving for excellence and are relentless in what they do.
"With experience around them in key positions that's a good mix and the boys are looking forward to the challenge."
Meanwhile Munster head coach Anthony Foley has made four changes to the side that defeated Zebre in the same competition at the end of January. Three of those changes come in the pack, with Dave Kilcoyne and Mike Sherry returning to the front row alongside John Ryan who retains his spot in the No 3 jersey.
Dave O'Callaghan makes his first start since returning from an adductor injury, and he slots into the back row with skipper Billy Holland and No 8 Jack O'Donoghue.
The only change across the backline comes at scrum half with Duncan Williams returning to partner Ian Keatley in the half-backs.
Munster: 15 Andrew Conway, 14 Darren Sweetnam, 13 Francis Saili, 12 Rory Scannell, 11 Ronan O'Mahony, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Duncan Williams, 1 Dave Kilcoyne, 2 Mike Sherry, 3 John Ryan, 4 Dave Foley, 5 Mark Chisholm, 6 Billy Holland (c), 7 Dave O'Callaghan, 8 Jack O'Donoghue.
Replacements: 16 Niall Scannell, 17 Peter McCabe, 18 Mario Sagario, 19 Robin Copeland, 20 Shane Buckley, 21 Tomás O'Leary, 22 Cian Bohane, 23 David Johnston.
Ospreys: 15 Dan Evans, 14 Tom Grabham, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Josh Matavesi, 11 Ben John, 10 Sam Davies, 9 Brendon Leonard (c), 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Sam Parry, 3 Dmitri Arhip, 4 Rynier Bernardo, 5 Rory Thornton, 6 Joe Bearman, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Dan Baker.
Replacements: 16 Scott Otten, 17 Gareth Thomas, 18 Ma'afu Fia, 19 Adam Beard, 20 Olly Cracknell, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 Owen Watkin, 23 Tom Habberfield.