Ospreys team to face Edinburgh

The Ospreys team to face Edinburgh in the Magners League on Saturday 25th April 2009 at Liberty Stadium, kick off at 7.30pm, has been named.

Ospreys Head Coach Sean Holley commented: "The response shown by the players at last weeks Scarlets game was very pleasing, it was one of resolve and character. It was nice to score some tries and show that clinical edge in the second half. We've taken confidence from that performance and with 3 home games to look forward to we have set our sights on finishing the season strongly.

“Edinburgh are a well coached team and we are looking forward to welcoming them to the Liberty. It will be nice for our supporters to have a run of games over the coming weeks and we are determined to push on in the Magners League starting this weekend. With further injuries to Sonny, Filo and Jamie Nutbrown and a ban to Richard Hibbard, our squad is really being tested but the return of Lee Byrne to the starting line-up and Duncan Jones on the bench is a welcome boost. The form of some of our young players is also extremely pleasing and it is great that they are able to get some game time. We are looking forward to celebrating Shane's 100th Ospreys appearance this weekend, he's been a great servant and a well respected player, not just for his obvious talent but for his attitude and approach to the game, and everything he does."

Ospreys team to face Edinburgh: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 James Hook, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Mike Phillips 1 Paul James, 2 Huw Bennett, 3 Adam Jones, 4 Filipo Levi, 5 Andy Lloyd, 6 Tom Smith, 7 Steve Tandy, 8 Ryan Jones (Capt)

Replacements: 16 Ed Shervington, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Ian Gough, 19 Marty Holah, 20 Tavis Noyle, 21 Jonathan Spratt, 22 Jonny Vaughton

Shane Williams makes his 100th Ospreys appearance. Tavis Noyle will make his Ospreys debut if he comes off the bench.

The following players were not considered because of injury:

Jamie Nutbrown has failed to recover from a shoulder injury picked up in Munster two weeks ago, but we remain hopeful that he will be available for the last two weeks of the season

Sonny Parker suffered a calf injury against the Scarlets last weekend, and although he misses this game, he is expected to make the Glasgow match next month

Gavin Henson has suffered damage to the ligaments on both the lateral and medial sides of his right ankle. It is not anticipated that he will be available for selection prior to the final weekend of the season

Rhodri Wells picked up a shoulder injury playing for Swansea recently but should be available for selection in the next two weeks

Jonathan Thomas has commenced a period of relative rest following specialist consultation in orderto facilitate full resolution of his recurring groin problem and permit a problem free return totraining and playing

Ben Lewis and Ian Evans are both recovering from ACL reconstructive surgery. Both players are achieving their targets and remain on course to be fully fit and available for the start of next season

Nikki Walker is also doing well following surgery to repair his left hamstring origin, and although he won't feature again this season is expected be fit for the start of pre season training

Lyndon Bateman is still in the early stages of his recovery following knee surgery and will return next season

Kristian Phillips is recovering from surgery to repair the damage sustained following the shoulder dislocation he suffered against Leinster. He will require a 5-6 month recovery and rehabilitation process and will be targeting a return for the start of next season