The Ospreys team to face Glasgow Warriors in the Magners League on Friday 12th September 2008 at Firhill, kick off at 7.30pm, will be as follows:-
15 Gareth Owen14 Johnny Vaughton 13 David Bishop 12 Andrew Bishop 11 Nikki Walker 10 Daniel Biggar 9 Jamie Nutbrown 8 Filo Tiatia 7 Marty Holah 6 Tom Smith5 Alun Wyn Jones 4 Ian Gough3 Cai Griffiths 2 Ed Shervington 1 Paul James © Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett17 Duncan Jones18 Andy Lloyd19 Jonathan Thomas20 Rhys Webb21 James Hook 22 Kristian Phillips Paul James makes his 101st Ospreys appearance, taking him level with Barry Williams at the top of region's all-time appearance list David Bishop makes his first competitive appearance for the Ospreys since September 9th 2005, when he suffered a fractured kneecap playing against Munster Daniel Biggar and Jamie Nutbrown make their first competitive starts for the Ospreys Injury news The following players are not available for selection due to injury: Ben Lewis is recovering well after undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery to his right knee and is on target for a November return Gavin Henson is on target for an early October return to action following keyhole surgery on damaged ankle ligaments Mike Phillips is on target for an early October return after undergoing surgery to repair damage to his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments Richard Hibbard is recovering well after recently undergoing minor surgery on his shoulder and is hopeful of being available for selection before the end of September Lyndon Bateman has been experiencing a recurring back injury and misses the first week of the seasonOSPREYS COACH SEAN HOLLEY COMMENTED: "We're expecting a real test on Friday night. Glasgow are always a difficult team to beat, especially at home as our record up there suggests with just the one away victory over them in our short history. We had our first experience of Firhill last season on a wet and windy evening and that will stand us in good stead for Friday as we aim to maintain what has been a very solid start to our Magners League campaign. There's no doubt that it's been a difficult week with three matches in just seven days and the travelling to Ireland and Scotland thrown in for good measure, and it is providing a true test of our squad depth. Nevertheless, we are once again able to name a strong team and bench for the challenge that Glasgow will undoubtedly present. There are a lot of familiar faces is the twenty-two, but we also have a good splash of youth in the likes of Gareth Owen, Dan Biggar, Tom Smith and Ed Shervington, which is a real indication of the good work we are doing here to develop the best local young talent. Everybody is looking forward to the challenge, Glasgow played some exciting rugby last season and have started well this time around with a good win at Rodney Parade against the Dragons last weekend. They have a lively back row, a solid set piece and an excellent tactical kicking game led by Dan Parks. We are well aware that we'll have to be at our best but with fresh legs in the team and a confidence and determined attitude amongst our group of players, Friday will also be a difficult night for the Warriors." Forthcoming fixtures are as follows: Friday 19th September - Leinster V Ospreys - Magners League - Royal Dublin Society - 7.35pm Saturday 27th September - Ospreys V Ulster - Magners League - Liberty Stadium - 5.30pm Sunday 5th October - Ospreys V Harlequins - EDF Energy Cup - Liberty Stadium - 3.05pm Sunday 12th October - Leicester Tigers V Ospreys - Heineken Cup - Welford Road - 1.00pm