15 Barry Davies

14 Nikki Walker

13 Sonny Parker

12 Ashley Beck

11 Richard Fussell

10 Dan Biggar

9 Rhys Webb

1 Duncan Jones

2 Huw Bennett

3 Craig Mitchell

4 Ian Gough

5 Ian Evans

6 Tom Smith

7 Justin Tipuric (Capt)

8 Ryan Jones

Replacements

16 Mefin Davies

17 Ryan Bevington

18 Cai Griffiths

19 James Goode

20 Jonathan Thomas

21 Jamie Nutbrown

22 James Hook

23 Gareth Owen

If he comes off the bench, James Hook will make his 100^th appearance for the Ospreys

The following players were not considered because of injury:

Jonathan Spratt - ACL

Ben Lewis - Neck

Ben John - Wrist

Shane Williams - Shoulder

Conor McInerney - Knee

Lee Byrne - Thumb

Jerry Collins - Calf

Ospreys Director of Coaching, Scott Johnson, said:

"They don't come much harder in terms of the Magners League than Leinster away, so we know the size of the challenge we face at the weekend. We did pretty well out there last year but there's no doubting they are a formidable side. It's not an easy place to go and win.

"Our focus this week has been about ourselves and the areas where we need to improve. After the Scarlets game it was very much about making sure the players were aware that while the scoreboard told one story, our own analysis of the game told another. The reality was, that performance was some way away from where we want to be, and that was backed up by the first 50 minutes against the Blues. We are still on that upwards curve, and regardless of the personnel involved on Friday night, the expectation is that we will continue improving.

"January is traditionally a big month for the Ospreys and it's no different this time, with big games in three different competitions that will define our season. The performance against the Blues and the changes we've made this weekend mean that certain players have a fantastic opportunity to put their hands up if they want to be involved in some of these big games and big occasions that are coming up.

"It's going to be a memorable evening for Justin Tipuric, who will lead the team for the first time. He is a young man that we have real faith in. We believe he has the rugby ability and the personality to be a natural captain. Just as was the case with Alun Wyn's appointment, it is a long-term decision that we believe will benefit the Ospreys as a whole. We want to give Justin the experience as we see him as future captain of the region."

Forthcoming fixtures

Sun 16 Jan - London Irish V Ospreys - Madejski Stadium - Heineken Cup - 3.00pm

Sat 22 Jan - Ospreys V Toulon - Liberty Stadium - Heineken Cup - 3.30pm