The Ospreys team to face Bourgoin in the Heineken Cup on Sunday 20th January, at Stade Pierre Rajon, kick off at 1.00pm (GMT), will be as follows:-
15 Lee Byrne14 Nikki Walker13 Sonny Parker12 Gavin Henson11 Shane Williams10 James Hook9 Justin Marshall 8 Filo Tiatia7 Marty Holah6 Ryan Jones (Capt)5 Alun Wyn Jones4 Ian Gough3 Adam Jones2 Huw Bennett1 Duncan Jones
Replacements:
16 Ed Shervington17 Paul James18 Ian Evans19 Jonathan Thomas20 Mike Phillips21 Mark Taylor22 Jonathan VaughtonHead Coach Lyn Jones commented as follows:
"After the high of last Saturday's win over Gloucester, we've had to refocus on what promises to be a tough challenge for us out in France on Sunday afternoon. The performance against Gloucester was one of real quality all the way through the twenty-two, and having set such high standards in that game, we will need every individual who pulls on the Ospreys shirt this Sunday to reach that same level again if we are going to get the win that is necessary for us to progress to the knockout stage for the first time. There were inspirational performances right across the field and the win has raised levels of self belief in the camp ahead of the next challenge, so we travel to France in a confident mood."
"We face Bourgoin knowing that we must do what we have yet to do if we are to progress, and that is to win in France, but if you are going to achieve any kind of success in the Heineken Cup, then you have to do so at some stage. Bourgoin will certainly present a real challenge to us, as is always the case with any French side, regardless of the fact that they have no hope of qualification. They have competed well in every game in this season's Heineken Cup and will be keen to build up some momentum ahead of their game against Stade Francais in the T14 next weekend, so we realise that we have to prepare properly for this and not take anything for granted. The atmosphere in training this week has been charged to say the least, with all the players keen to state their case for selection in such a big match, nobody wants to miss out. Everyone in the Ospreys camp, players, coaching team and management alike, is excited about the game, Sunday afternoon can't come soon enough."
Injury and squad availability news
Three players are not available for selection this week:
Andrew Bishop has had a pin inserted in a small bone in his hand and is expected to be out for about 5 weeks
Richard Hibbard suffered internal bruising in the stomach area after accidentally landing on a stray boot when scoring his try against Gloucester last Saturday. It is anticipated that he will return to full training next week
Barry Williams is undergoing a four-month rehabilitation programme following keyhole surgery on his hip last week
Forthcoming fixtures are as follows:
Magners League - Saturday 16th February - Ospreys V Connacht - Liberty Stadium - 5.30pm
Magners League - Friday 29th February - Glasgow V Ospreys - Firhill - 7.30pm