The Ospreys team to play Aironi at the Stadio Luigi Zaffanella on Friday 6th May 2011, kick off at 8.05pm (local time), will be as follows:
15 Richard Fussell
14 Tommy Bowe
13 Andrew Bishop
12 James Hook
11 Nikki Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
1 Paul James
2 Richard Hibbard
3 Adam Jones
4 Ryan Jones
5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
6 Justin Tipuric
7 Marty Holah
8 Jonathan Thomas
Replacements
16 Huw Bennett
17 Ryan Bevington
18 Duncan Jones
19 Ian Gough
20 Tom Smith
21 Tom Isaacs
22 Ashley Beck
23 Sonny Parker
Dan Biggar requires two points to become only the second Ospreys player to reach 500 in the Magners League
The following players were not considered because of injury:
Jonathan Spratt – ACL
Morgan Allen – Ankle
Tom Prydie – ACL
Jamie Nutbrown – Shoulder
Craig Cross – Hamstring
Ben John – Wrist
Shane Williams – Knee
Craig Mitchell – Shoulder
Ben Thomas – Knee
Richard Kelly – Lower leg
Lee Byrne – Knee
Jerry Collins is absent due to a one-match suspension after receiving three yellow cards during this season’s Magners League
Head Coach, Sean Holley, commented:
“It’s gone down to the wire and we are left in a position where we have to go out and give everything on Friday night and hopefully, get our reward. It’s important that we concentrate on ourselves, that the boys know their roles and responsibilities, that they carry them out to the best of their abilities and we don’t allow ourselves to get distracted by what may be happening elsewhere.
“It’s not going to be an easy 80 minutes, they are a very tough nut to crack. Look at their results at home this season and you’ve seen that they’ve given some very good teams a close call. Add into the mix that Rowland will, I’m sure, want to take our scalp, and you’ll see that we have to be professional and do a job.
“I expect to see champion spirit, and a champion’s performance from us. Nothing less than that will be good enough.”