Gloucester v Ospreys: Teams

Mike Phillips has replaced Justin Marshall in the Ospreys starting XV for their Heineken Cup game against Gloucester at Kingsholm on Friday.

The inclusion of Phillips at scrum-half is one of three changes made by head coach Lyn Jones as the Ospreys look to build on their opening round victory over Bourgoin.

With Shane Williams ruled out through injury, his place on the left wing is taken by Jonathan Vaughton.

The only other change comes in the forwards where Jonathan Thomas replaces Alun Wyn Jones in the number six jersey.

Lyn Jones will be looking for a better performance this week, as despite winning in the opening round, he was not totally happy with his sides showing.

"Whilst we were pleased to start the competition with a solid win last weekend against a highly motivated Bourgoin side we recognise that our accuracy and overall performance levels will have to improve this weekend," Jones said.

Gloucester will also be flying high though as they welcome the Welsh side to Kingsholm, after the sparkling victory against Ulster in their opener.

Marco Bortolami returns to the second row for Gloucester after Alex Brown was ruled out through injury.

Dean Ryan will have Bortolami back in his starting XV for just the second time this season, with Brown out due to a shoulder injury.

Will James takes a place on the replacements bench in the only other change Ryan has made to the side that impressed with their fine victory at Ulster in the opening round of matches.

The Teams:

Gloucester: 15 Iain Balshaw; 14 James Simpson-Daniel, 13 Mike Tindall, 12 Anthony Allen, 11 Lesley Vainikolo, 10 Ryan Lamb, 9 Rory Lawson; 1 Nick Wood, 2 Olivier Azam, 3 Carlos Nieto, 4 Peter Buxton (capt), 5 Marco Bortolami, 6 Alasdair Strokosch, 7 Akapusi Qera, 8 Luke Narraway. Replacements: 16 Andy Titterrell, 17 Christian Califano, 18 Will James, 19 Gareth Delve, 20 Mike Prendergast, 21 Chris Paterson, 22 Olly Morgan.

Ospreys: 15 L Byrne; 14 N Walker, 13 S Parker, 12 G Henson, 11 J Vaughton; 10 J Hook, 9 M Phillips; 1 D Jones, 2 H Bennett, 3 A Jones, 4 I Gough, 5 I Evans, 6 J Thomas, 7 M Holah, 8 F Tiatia (capt).

Replacements: 16 R Hibbard, 17 P James, 18 A Jones, 19 H T-Pole, 20 J Marshall, 21 S Connor, 22 M Taylor.

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)