The Ospreys team to play Biarritz on Saturday 10th April 2010 at Estadio Anoeta, kick off at 4.00pm (Local Time), will be as follows:-
15 Lee Byrne
14 Tommy Bowe
13 Andrew Bishop
12 James Hook
11 Shane Williams
10 Dan Biggar
9 Mike Phillips
1 Paul James
2 Huw Bennett
3 Adam Jones
4 Alun Wyn Jones
5 Jonathan Thomas
6 Jerry Collins
7 Marty Holah
8 Ryan Jones (Capt)
Replacements:
16 Ed Shervington
17 Ryan Bevington
18 Craig Mitchell
19 Ian Gough
20 Filo Tiatia
21 Jamie Nutbrown
22 Sonny Parker
23 Nikki Walker
The following players were not considered because of injury:
Ross Davies - fractured ankle/ligament damage
Duncan Jones - broken bone in foot
Tom Isaacs - shoulder
Lyndon Bateman – knee
Tom Smith - hip/knee
Barry Davies - groin
Richard Hibbard - knee
Ospreys Head Coach, Sean Holley, commented:
"Johnno went down to see Biarritz at the Estadio Anoeta against Toulouse two weeks ago, and what he saw confirmed our homework about them really. They are a well organised, well coached team that have a lot of threats. They have the form player in Europe at the moment in Harinordoquy, and some seasoned pro's that have led them into this stage of the competition many times before. It's going to be a real challenge, but we are really excited about it. This is what we are all involved in professional rugby for, big occasions like this weekend, and Saturday afternoon can't come soon enough for the group.
"We've worked hard to improve our style of play this year and we were certainly at a place where we wanted to be before the Six Nations, the performance against Leicester in January was probably up there as the best we've seen from the Ospreys. We've certainly not hit those heights since the players returned, but we've been focussing on getting back up to speed and the signs are that we are getting back into that groove. There was a big improvement for the Scarlets match last weekend, but we realise that there is a big step up required again this week if we are going to reach the required performance levels. In fairness to the players, they realise that, they are good, honest professionals who are putting the hours in and will be ready for it.
"The mood in the camp is very good, I'd say it's one of positive determination. There's an excellent spirit, people are enjoying themselves, they are training and going about the place with smiles on their faces. Don't forget, we are talking about British Lions, Grand Slam winners and All Blacks so they are used to pressure, they know how to handle, and in fairness, they are really enjoying the build-up. We know it's going to be tough out there, we are facing a very good side, but when you get to the final eight, whoever you face, at home or away, it isn't going to be easy. There are a lot of good teams out there who would love to swap places with us this weekend, so we are making sure that we enjoy it."
Forthcoming Fixtures
Sat 10th Apr - Biarritz V Ospreys - Heineken Cup Quarter Final - Estadio Anoeta - 4.00pm (Local time)
Tue 13th Apr - Ulster V Ospreys - Magners League - Ravenhill - 7.30pm
Fri 16th Apr - Leinster V Ospreys - Magners League - RDS - 7.05pm