Ospreys v Munster: Teams
The Ospreys are still confident of securing a play-off position in their remaining two fixtures.
By Jessica Bridge
Last Updated: 22/04/11 3:10pm
Ospreys remain confident of securing an end of season play-off position as they prepare to face Munster.
Ospreys go into the game disappointed by the bonus point loss to Newport Gwent Dragons last time out - when a victory for the Welsh side would have seen them move into fourth place ahead of Ulster.
And things won't get any easier against the Magners League leaders - and with just two games remaining both are now must-wins if they want to make the top four.
The Ospreys make nine changes to the line-up coming into the match against top of the league Munster, including Lee Byrne, Nikki Walker, Tommy Bowe and Richard Fussell.
And Ospreys forwards coach Jonathan Humpheys felt the changes are necessary.
"We wanted to freshen things up a little bit in terms of selection, there are some boys who have performed well who we feel deserves a chance in a game like this," he said.
"We're disappointed with how things went against the Dragons and we believe that these guys can really put a spring our step for a game that has so much riding on it.
"It's the time of year when it's all or nothing, we have to get two wins and hope that the Dragons can continue to perform like they did against us. If that happens, then we'll be in the play-offs, but it's going to be tough.
"We know what we need to do, and we know that we have to keep clear heads, focus on doing the basics right and be professional. If we do that, the rest should fall into place."
Secured
Munster might have already secured their place in the play-offs but they will go into the match with a number of their international contingent returning.
Captain Ronan O'Gara, Keith Earls, Donncha O'Callaghan and David Wallace all are among those to come into the side after sitting out the win over the Scarlets.
The Irish side make a total of 14 changes to the line-up, three of which are positional.
With the return of Felix Jones to the backline, Paul Warwick has switched to centre, while Lifeimi Mafa is to wear the No.13 jersey in the absence of Johne Murphy.
Ospreys: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Nikki Walker, 13 Tommy Bowe, 12 James Hook, 11 Richard Fussell, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Jonathan Thomas, 7 Marty Holah, 6 Justin Tipuric, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4 Ian Gough, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Ryan Bevington.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Paul James, 18 Duncan Jones, 19 Ryan Jones, 20 Jerry Collins, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Andrew Bishop, 23 Sonny Parker
Munster: 15 Felix Jones, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Lifeimi Mafi, 12 Paul Warrick, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Ronan O'Gara (c), 9 C Murray, 8 Marcus Horan, 7 Damien Varley, 6 John Hayes, 5 Ian Nagle, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Donnacha Ryan, 2 David Wallace, 1 James Coughlan.
Replacements: 16 Mike Sherry, 17 Wian du Preez, 18 Tony Buckley, 19 Tommy O'Donnell, 20 Niall Ronan, 21 Peter Stringer, 22 Danny Barnes, 23 Simon Zebo.
