Ospreys v Leinster: Teams

The Ospreys are down to the barest bones for the visit of Magners League champions Leinster on Friday night.

Richard Hibbard, Nikki Walker, Ben Lewis, Duncan Jones, Ian Evans and Lyndon Bateman are all out injured, while there are 12 internationals on duty with Wales ahead of their Six Nations clash in Italy.

There are still several full internationals included in the team though, with an all-international pairing of Sonny Parker and Andrew Bishop catching the eye.

Skipper Paul James says that the match will provide a real opportunity for some of the talented youngsters in the squad to shine on the big stage.

"The team that will feature at the weekend will include a lot of youngsters, but it is an exciting line-up because of the quality of these players," he said.

"There's been a lot said already about players like Gareth Owen, who I think showed his class in his first game back after injury against Connacht and Dan Biggar who has already played for Wales.

"But there are others like Kristian Phillips who is a great finisher who I think can really impress on Friday night if they get the chance.

"In the front row, there are players like Ryan Bevington and Craig Mitchell, players that Cai Griffiths and me have worked closely with, these are all really good players who have a bright future ahead of them.

"Friday night's game is a real chance for some of these to really show what they are capable of against a very good team and I'm confident that they'll rise to the test."

Determined

Leinster skipper Shane Jennings insists his side will not underestimate the Ospreys, despite the Welsh side missing a number of key men.

Leinster, like the Ospreys, are three points off Munster in the chase for the title - and Jennings is determined not to let their fellow Irishmen extend their lead.

"Friday night's game is another game that we have to win," said Jennings.

"There's the danger that if we slip up that Munster will have an opportunity to put daylight between the other teams. So we will have to be focused and treat the Ospreys with the respect they deserve.

"Even though they are hampered by the unavailability of a few of their international players, they still have a quality squad. They have a powerful pack, a fearsome back-row and a dangerous backline and irrespective of the team that will line out, it will be a tough battle."

Leinster welcome back Bernard Jackman to the front-row, with Chris Whitaker and Sean O'Brien have recovering from injury to take their places on the bench.

Ospreys: 15 Gareth Owen, 14 Jonny Vaughton, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Kristian Phillips, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Jamie Nutbrown, 8 Filo Tiatia, 7 Marty Holah, 6 Tom Smith, 5 Andy Lloyd, 4 Filipo Levi, 3 Cai Griffiths, 2 Ed Shervington, 1 Paul James (c).
Replacements: 16 Marc Breeze, 17 Craig Mitchell, 18 Rory Pitman, 19 Steve Tandy, 20 Rhodri Wells, 21 Jonathan Spratt, 22 David Bishop.

Leinster: 15 Girvan Dempsey, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Fergus McFadden, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Isa Nacewa, 10 Felipe Contepomi, 9 Paul O'Donohoe, 1 Cian Healy, 2 Bernard Jackman, 3 Stan Wright, 4 Trevor Hogan, 5 Malcolm O'Kelly, 6 Cameron Jowitt, 7 Shane Jennings, 8 Rocky Elsom.
Replacements: 16 Brian Blaney, 17 Stephen Knoop, 18 Devin Toner, 19 Sean O'Brien, 20 Chris Whitaker, 21 Jonathan Sexton, 22 Simon Keogh