Ospreys v Northampton: Teams

The Ospreys have named a youthful looking squad for the LV= Cup clash with Northampton on Thursday.

Nicky Thomas will make his first start after coming on as a replacement against Glasgow, while Ross Davies, Will Taylor and Justin Tipuric will make their debuts off the bench.

James King is also named on the bench having made a cameo first appearance for the Welsh region as a blood replacement against Glasgow.

"We're really looking forward to it, we've got a proud history in the Anglo Welsh tournament as previous winners and twice finalists," said Ospreys head coach Sean Holley.

"This year, with it being played during the autumn internationals, and with us carrying a few injuries, it really is an exciting chance for us to see some of the younger players. We've had a good couple of weeks working with them, and you'll be able to see what we've got on Thursday night.

"We've taken a slightly different view to the competition this year, with the timing of it and the extra international, but it's real chance for some of the youngsters.

"I think it's testimony to our board for the foresight that they've shown, and to our academy system, that we have such a strong team going out to compete on Thursday.

"I'm not sure there are that many squads who could cope with so many unavailabilities, but it is a real plus that we have those youngsters coming through. They are quality players and it's a real chance for them on a big stage against a top team."

Rest

Northampton have also opted to rotate their squad - particularly as the match comes just five days after their derby with Leicester.

Mark Hopley, Jon Vickers, Joe Gray and Alan Dickens will make their first starts of the season. Scrum-half Dickens will skipper the side.

And director of rugby Jim Mallinder admitted he had little choice but to tweak his line-up.

"Inevitably with such a quick turnaround after a very physical game against Leicester some players have needed a rest," Mallinder said.

"But that in turn presents opportunities for other players to shine. Last season the Anglo-Welsh Cup proved to be a springboard for several players, such as Courtney Lawes and Stephen Myler, who went on to be regulars in the Guinness Premiership and in Europe.

"We are taking a squad to the Liberty Stadium that has worked hard this week and that wants to achieve a positive result and get us off to a good start in the LV= Cup."

Ospreys: 15 Barry Davies, 14 Nicky Thomas, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Kristian Phillips, 10 Gareth Owen, 9 Liam Davies, 8 Tom Smith, 7 Steve Tandy, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Filo Tiatia, 4 Ian Gough (c), 3 Cai Griffiths, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Ryan Bevington.
Replacements: 16 Ed Shervington, 17 Ross Davies, 18 Will Taylor, 19 James King, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Rhodri Wells, 22 Jonathan Spratt, 23 Ashley Beck.

Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Joe Ansbro, 12 Jon Clarke, 11 Chris Mayor, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Alan Dickens (capt), 8 Mark Hopley, 7 Scott Gray, 6 Mark Easter, 5 Christian Day, 4 James Cannon, 3 Jon Vickers, 2 Joe Gray, 1 Regardt Dreyer.
Replacements: 16 Brett Sharman, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Adam Parkins, 19 Owen Giles, 20 James Ingle, 21 John Brake, 22 Barry Everitt, 23 Grant Pointer.