Ospreys v Munster: Teams
Ospreys coach Sean Holley believes the return of his side's internationals will be a "welcome boost" ahead of the visit of Munster.
Last Updated: 04/12/09 3:26pm
Ospreys coach Sean Holley believes the return of his side's internationals will be a "welcome boost" ahead of the visit of Munster on Saturday.
The club have been rocked by injuries this season - with Adam Jones, Ian Gough, Jonathan Spratt, Ian Evans, Steve Tandy, Tom Smith, Ryan Jones, Barry Davies, Shane Williams, Mike Phillips, Jamie Nutbrown, Tom Isaacs, Conor McInerney, Lee Byrne and Lyndon Bateman among those out.
However, the return of the club's international stars means Holley is still able to name a strong squad for the match - with Dan Biggar, Tommy Bowe and Alun-Wyn Jones among those available again.
"At this time of the year we have to deal with the reintegration into this environment of a dozen players who have been away for a month with their national set-ups, which brings with it its own difficulties," said Holley.
"But, with the injuries we've got here at the moment, it's a welcome boost for us to be able welcome back players of real quality.
"Selection has been made with a few things in mind, we need to send out a team that will be competitive against Munster while taking into account the heavy workload that some of the international boys have had over the last month, and the big games that we've got coming up over the next few months.
"Munster will always provide a tough challenge, whatever the occasion, so we know that we'll have to be at the top of our game if we are going to match them.
Important
"We want to get this crucial period off to a good start, so a good performance is essential.
"They've named a strong squad for the visit, so it clear that they are also looking at this game as an important one, and I think it's a great one to get us back into the swing of things after a few weeks without a match."
Ireland Sevens star James Coughlan will get a rare run out when he dons the Munster No.8 shirt against the Ospreys.
Coughlan's last start for Munster in the Magners League came against Glasgow last year, but he comes into the back-row alongside Niall Ronan and Alan Quinlan.
"Yes really looking forward to the game at the Liberty," said Coughlin.
"There is huge competition here in Munster for places in the back row and a good healthy rivalry among those of us looking for the jersey.
"I wouldn't say there's any niggle in training but it is competitive. It has to be and if it wasn't we wouldn't be as successful a squad as we are."
Coughlan is one of five changes made by Munster, with newcomer Wian du Preez, John Hayes, Doug Howlett and Ronan all returning to the starting line-up.
Ospreys: 15 Gareth Owen, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Nikki Walker, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Liam Davies, 8 Filo Tiatia, 7 Marty Holah, 6 Jerry Collins (capt), 5 Jonathan Thomas, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Craig Mitchell, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Duncan Jones.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Paul James, 18 Cai Griffiths, 19 Andy Lloyd, 20 Ben Lewis, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 James Hook.
Munster: 15 Paul Warwick, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Jean de Villiers, 12 Lifiemi Mafi, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 James Coughlan, 7 Niall Ronan, 6 Alan Quinlan, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Denis Fogarty, 1 Wian du Preez.
Replacements: 16 Damien Varley, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Donncha Ryan, 19 Mick O'Driscoll, 20 Nick Williams, 21 Peter Stringer, 22 Denis Hurley, 23 Ian Dowling.