The Ospreys team to play Munster at Thomond Park on Saturday 14th May 2011, kick off at 6.30pm 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 Huw Bennett
3 Adam Jones
4 Ian Gough
5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
6 Ryan Jones
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Jonathan Thomas
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard
17 Ryan Bevington
18 Cai Griffiths
19 Jerry Collins
20 Tom Smith
21 Marty Holah
22 Tom Isaacs
23 Ashley Beck
The following players were not considered because of injury:
Jonathan Spratt – ACL
Tom Prydie – ACL
Craig Cross – Hamstring
Ben John – Wrist
Shane Williams – Knee
Craig Mitchell – Shoulder
Ben Thomas – Knee
Richard Kelly – Lower leg
Lee Byrne – Knee
Gareth Owen and Kristian Phillips are on Wales Sevens duty and are unavailable for selection
Director of Coaching, Scott Johnson, commented:
“It is all down to what happens on Saturday night, and the 80 minutes at Thomond Park. We’ve said all year that we wanted to defend our title, we’ve finished in the top four and now we’re at the business end of the season.
“It’s been an up and down time, a bit of a roller coaster, but every team has peaks and troughs over the course of a season, that’s inevitable. It’s always going to be the case. We’ve had some pretty good peaks, and over 22 games we’ve earned a place in the play-offs and we don’t want to waste that hard work and effort now.
“We will have to lift our game from where it’s been in recent weeks, but preparation hasn’t been about kneejerk reactions. We’ve made sure that the guys know what they’ve got to do, know their roles, and have the confidence and belief to really enjoy the challenge.
“It’s big games like that being involved in professional rugby is all about. It’ll be a real test alright, but we know plenty about Munster just like they know plenty about us. I can see it being a real arm wrestle, but it’s a really exciting prospect. Preparation has been good, but once they step onto the paddock it’ll be all about which team handles the pressure best.”