Ospreys v Ulster:In a curious state of affairs, if also a damning indictment of their season to date, it could be said that Ulster go into their third Heineken European Cup tie away to the Ospreys with relatively less pressure on them than in recent Magners Celtic League games
Fighting for their lives at the basement of the bread-and-butter competition, by comparison anything they obtain out of the Liberty Stadium tonight truly would be a bonus.
In the circumstances, the change of competition after the critical win away to Connacht and defeat at home to Edinburgh might be a blessing of sorts. Then again the same was said before they were obliterated in the first 25 minutes of their opening Cup fixture at home to Gloucester.
That defeat prompted the resignation of Mark McCall, but the defeat to Edinburgh highlighted how confidence is still at its lowest ebb in some years and perhaps also that the vacuum created by McCall's departure and the ensuing wounds within the dressingroom still linger.
Caretaker coach Steve Williams has made three changes, having seemingly rebuilt his bridges with Justin Harrison after rumours of a training-ground spat earlier in the season as the Australian makes his first appearance under Williams in four games.
With Mark McCullough reverting to the back row in the long-term absence of Stephen Ferris and Roger Wilson, Carlo Del Fava will partner Harrison in the second row, with Ireland A lock Ryan Caldwell on the bench. "Justin offers us a different option in the lineout and we certainly need his expertise against the Ospreys, they will pose a massive threat in the lineout," said Williams.
Fullback Bryn Cunningham also returns to the squad after being omitted for three games, with Mark Bartholomeusz dropping out.
"There is obviously a lot of competition between Bryn and Mark for the fullback position and they both bring different attributes to the game," said Williams, "but this week I feel that we need Bryn wearing the number 15 jersey, he is solid at fullback and also offers a good counterattacking option."
Paul Steinmetz returns at the expense of Rob Dewey.
While Ulster might be partially relieved to hear that the injured Gavin Henson is not playing, this has been countered by the return of James Hook, Ian Gough, Justin Marshall and Filo Tiatia. "We have one win out of two matches in this competition and we remain in the mix to finish top of the group," commented their coach Lyn Jones.
"This week we will face a determined Ulster side who will be disappointed with their performances of late. Our own experience of playing Ulster sharply contrasts with their current form and we will not underestimate them this weekend. They have a dogged defence and their focus on a kicking strategy has historically served them well.
"We re-enter the Heineken Cup still reeling from the shock of losing in Gloucester, but last week's fixture against Harlequins showed that we are capable of putting in a big performance against one of the leading Guinness Premiership sides and coming away with a result in a hostile environment and in difficult weather conditions. We will again have to be on top of our game this weekend."
If the Ospreys do build up a head of steam, after their slightly unlucky eight-point defeat away to Gloucester, then they will assuredly be targeting a bonus-point win from this match.
OSPREYS: L Byrne; N Walker, M Taylor, S Parker, S Williams; J Hook, J Marshall; D Jones, H Bennett, A Jones; A Jones, I Evans; J Thomas, M Holah, F Tiatia (capt). Replacements: R Hibbard, C Griffiths, I Gough, B Lewis, M Phillips, S Connor, A Bishop.
ULSTER: B Cunningham; T Bowe, A Trimble, P Steinmetz, S Danielli; P Wallace, I Boss; J Fitzpatrick, R Best (capt), B Young; J Harrison, C Del Fava; N Best, D Pollock, M McCullough. Replacements: D Fitzpatrick, M Miles, R Caldwell, K Dawson, K Campbell, N O'Connor, R Dewey.
Referee: Chris White (England).
Odds (Paddy Power): 1/12 Ospreys, 33/1 Draw, 6/1 Ulster. Handicap betting (= Ulster + 15 pts) 10/11 Ospreys, 25/1 Draw, 10/11 Ulster.
Forecast: Ospreys to win.
