Team V Harlequins

The Ospreys team to face Harlequins in the EDF Energy Cup match on Sunday 5th October 2008 at the Liberty Stadium, kick off at 3.05pm, will be as follows:-

15.  Lee Byrne14.  Jonny Vaughton13.  Sonny Parker12.  Gavin Henson11.  Shane Williams10.  James Hook9.  Rhys Webb 8.  Ryan Jones (c)7.  Marty Holah6.  Filo Tiatia5.  Alun-wyn Jones4.  Ian Gough3.  Adam Jones2.  Huw Bennett1.  Duncan Jones

Replacements:

16.  Richard Hibbard17.  Andrew Millward18.  Lyndon Bateman19.  Steve Tandy20.  Tom Smith21.  Daniel Biggar22.  Tommy Bowe

Injury news:

The following players are not available for selection due to injury:

Kristian Phillips is likely to be unavailable for the next two months while he recovers from the shoulder injury sustained in the Help for Heroes game two weeks ago. He returned to the specialist on Thursday, where he received the good news that he will not require surgery and should make a full recovery.

Cai Griffiths is recovering well from treatment for ankle ligament damage. He's still off his feet but will return to see the specialist next week when hopefully he'll be able to start taking some weight through the ankle and will progress with his rehabilitation accordingly after that.

Jamie Nutbrown has also responded well to treatment to the midtarsal joint of his left foot and is continuing his rehabilitation.

Gareth Owen had surgery on his ankle to fix the instability resulting from his ankle ligament injury this week and now faces a lay-off of up to four months.

Mike Phillips is continuing his rehab following surgery to repair damage to his anterior cruciate ligament and after being ordered to rest has had a good week in terms of the reaction from his knee settling down and has been coping well with his training. Similar progress is expected next week with a view to him starting back to some more rugby specific training the following week.

Ben Lewis is recovering well after undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery to his right knee and is still on target for a November return.

Ospreys Coach Sean Holley commented:

"After playing some positive rugby at the Liberty Stadium last time out against Ulster, we will be looking to continue our home form against Harlequins on Sunday, hopefully in front of a large and vocal Ospreys support.

"We've been pleased with the form that we've shown in the Magners League so far, but the EDF Energy Cup provides us with a different type of challenge, offering us the opportunity to refocus. Having secured the trophy on a memorable afternoon in Twickenham back in April, we are all excited about launching our defence. It is a competition that we value very highly, it has helped to put the Ospreys on the map across the UK and we are proud to be champions.

To successfully defend the trophy is a big incentive for the players, it is not a trophy they are going to give up lightly. Our fans have enjoyed our Anglo-Welsh matches over the last two seasons, and I'm sure that they are looking forward to these games as much as the players are.

"We welcome back a familiar midfield partnership in Gavin and Sonny, who are both well aware of the competition in the squad and will no doubt be looking to impress ahead of further EDF matches and the Heineken Cup Pool games over the coming weeks. "Harlequins have had a good start to the season, so we can expect a real test in every aspect of the game. They are a well prepared and well coached team who have some outstanding individuals with a lot of pace and guile within the side. It will be a good test for our squad and we look forward to welcoming them to the Liberty Stadium."

Forthcoming fixtures are as follows:

Sunday 12th October - Leicester Tigers v Ospreys - Heineken Cup - Welford Road - 1.00pm

Saturday 18th October - Ospreys v Perpignan - Heineken Cup - Liberty Stadium - 3.30pm

Sunday 26th October - Worcester Warriors - EDF Energy Cup - Liberty Stadium - 3.05pm

Please note that all fixtures are subject to change