'Slim' Ospreys head for Murrayfield
Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:49
The Ospreys have assembled a respectable side to face Edinburgh in their Magners League clash on Friday, despite the absence of a host of international stars.
A number of Ospreys players were unavailable due to their involvement in the Wales international against Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, namely Lee Byrne, Andrew Bishop, Shane Williams, James Hook, Ryan Jones, Ian Gough, Alun-wyn Jones, Duncan Jones and Richard Hibbard.
As a result, Ospreys Coach Sean Holley is expecting a tough encounter at Edinburgh, who have by contrast benefited from the return of some of their international stand-outs.
"As a group we've got a lot of respect for Andy Robinson and his team," said Holley.
"They have a squad full of international players who will be available to them after the autumn series and will be looking to use the match not only to improve their Magners League position, but to prepare for what is a big European game for them against Wasps next week. Games between Edinburgh and the Ospreys have always tended to be close, as they were last season, full of positive rugby, and I expect this one to be no different.
"In the period since the London Irish game we've had chance to work with the core squad on conditioning and skills, and the reaction from the players has been first class. Having had a good workout in Leinster last week, the players are understandably very keen to get back to competitive action. We have a hungry 22 traveling to this game with a very nice blend of youth and experience. There is no shortage of quality in the side and we are approaching the game in a positive frame of mind with a clear understanding of what we want to achieve this weekend.
"This game marks the start of a very busy period for us, with six matches over the course of the next month, so we are pleased to see the likes of Jonathan Thomas, Sonny Parker, Cai Griffiths and Kristian Phillips making themselves available after injury as it increases the options available to us. We have a large squad here at the Ospreys, which will be utilised to the full over the coming weeks, so we're expecting all those selected for Friday to be looking to stake a claim to keep hold of the shirt."
The following players were not considered due to injury:
Huw Bennett has been sidelined with ankle ligament damage following the EDF Energy Cup fixture against London Irish, and is aiming to be back in action for the Christmas fixtures.
Duncan Jones had surgery to fix a chronic stress fracture in his right foot a week ago, and will be in plaster for up to 12 weeks and at this stage looks unlikely to feature again this season.
Ian Evans ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee playing against New Zealand last Saturday, and will require surgical reconstruction and a six-month rehabilitation period, which rules him out till next season.
Andy Lloyd ruptured elbow ligaments playing in an 'A' team fixture at the end of October and needed surgery to fix the underlying instability. He is just over two weeks post op now and is targeting a comeback mid-April 2009.
Ben Lewis has encountered further difficulties with his right knee preventing his comeback, and is currently discussing his symptoms with several specialists and a decision will be made over the next week to 10 days to decide on the best treatment for him.
Mike Phillips' knee is settling well following a second, more minor operation in early October, and is targeting a Christmas return.
Jamie Nutbrown tore his Pectoralis Major tendon in last weekend's 'A' game against Leinster, if he continues to settle well it is hoped he will be available for selection mid-December.
Gareth Owen is recovering well from surgery to repair ankle ligament damage, and hopes to start intensifying his rehab next week with a view to getting back on the field mid-January.
Gavin Henson is responding well to treatment for a chronic Achilles tendon problem, and it is predicted he will be able to resume training ahead of the second Treviso fixture in December.
Jonathan Spratt has been sidelined with disc trouble in his lower back, but is doing well and starting to step up his training with a view to making a comeback around Christmas.
Leigh Bevan is out with a side strain and hopes to be back training again next week.
Jonny Vaughton is recovering from bruised ribs and should be available again next week.
Ospreys: 15 Tommy Bowe, 14 Kristian Phillips, 13 David Bishop, 12 Sonny Parker, 11 Nikki Walker, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Tom Smith, 7 Marty Holah, 6 Steve Tandy, 5 Lyndon Bateman, 4 Filo Tiatia, 3 Craig Mitchell, 2 Ed Shervington, 1 Paul James (captain).
Replacements: 16 Marc Breeze, 17 Cai Griffiths, 18 Ryan Bevington, 19 Mike Collins, 20 Jonathan Thomas, 21
Rhodri Wells, 22 Ashley Beck.
Date: Friday, November 28
Venue: Murrayfield
Kick-off: 19.30 GMT
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Touch judges: David Changleng (Scotland), Bob Nevins (Scotland)
