McPhillips returns

Ospreys v Connacht: Ospreys coach Lyn Jones has been able to bolster his team in the form of Mike Phillips and Nikki Walker, internationals released by national team managements. Welsh scrumhalf Phillips and Scottish wing Walker are included in a backline that sees former All Black Justin Marshall named at fullback.

"We're looking forward to the challenge that Connacht will present. They are a well organised, well-drilled team who have a sense of togetherness instilled in them by their coach and I'm sure that the other Welsh regions will agree that they are one of the toughest opponents in the Magners League."

Connacht coach Michael Bradley will appreciate the compliment but knows his side will be pronounced underdogs. He has made two changes and one positional switch from the last outing, a morale-boosting victory at home to Llanelli.

Matt Mostyn moves from centre to wing with Daniel Riordan heading in the opposite direction. Conor McPhillips makes his first start for Connacht since November as he takes over at scrumhalf from Conor O'Loughlin, who drops to the bench. John Muldoon has recovered from injury to claim his place at number eight.

The Ospreys have a mixture of youth and experience even allowing for a raft of Welsh internationals that aren't on duty and should have a little bit too much for the visitors.

OSPREYS: J Marshall; J Vaughton, M Taylor, J Spratt, N Walker; S Connor, M Phillips; P James, R Hibbard, C Griffiths; A Lloyd, L Bateman; B Lewis, M Holah, F Tiatia (capt). Replacements: E Shervington, A Millward, M Powell, T Smith, M Roberts, G Owen, A Brew.

CONNACHT: G Duffy; D Riordan, M Mostyn, M Deane, A Wynne; A Dunne, C McPhillips; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Morris; M Swift, A Farley (capt); M McCarthy, J O'Connor, J Muldoon. Replacements: J Fogarty, R Loughney, D Gannon, R Ofisa, C Rigney, C O'Loughlin, T Donnelly.

Referee: A MacPherson (Scotland).

Leading points scorers: Ospreys: Shaun Connor 84. Connacht: Tim Donnelly 72.

Leading try scorers: Ospreys: Lee Byrne 3. Connacht: Conor O'Loughlin, Robbie Morris 2 each.

Verdict: Ospreys to win.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times