Munster V OspreysNEITHER SIDE have serious Magner's League ambitions. Both teams are mathematically in the running but realistically are out of this year's title race, while Munster's priority is next week's Heineken Cup semi-final against Saracens.
In that light, coach Declan Kidney has picked his side for tonight's meeting with a view to London the following weekend and he makes a plethora of changes from the team that lined out against Leinster.
Shaun Payne comes in for Denis Hurley at fullback, while most of the first-choice backline are rested. There is no Doug Howlett on the wing or Rua Tipoki and Lifeimi Mafi in the centre. In the front row, Jerry Flannery and John Hayes don't make the start, while Donncha O'Callaghan is nowhere to be seen. Anthony Foley and David Wallace are on the bench, while Alan Quinlan is not included in the squad. Both out-half, Ronan O'Gara and Peter Stringer, who departed from the Leinster match with injuries, do not start although Stringer is on the bench.
In Musgrave Park Munster will defend their home reputation as passionately as ever but Ospreys are arriving with a team that appears to be coming to win. Fourth from the bottom of the table, they have played only 13 matches and could, if they have a good end to the season finish as top-placed Welsh side, although Cardiff are more likely to do that.
Welsh centre, Gavin Henson, is not included as he is out with damaged ligaments in his hand and scrum-half, Mike Phillips, has undergone surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. Regular captain, Ryan Jones is rested but otherwise Ospreys are at full strength.
Shane Williams, James Hook, Justin Marshall all start, while New Zealand's Marty Holah and captain Filo Tiatia form part of a formidable back row. Ian Gough and Ian Evans are the international second row pairing while Welsh prop and hooker Duncan Jones and Huw Bennett add up to form quite a hefty pack.
It is the area where Munster normally dominate but today that could be where they struggle. "With five games remaining of the season, we are not looking down the table. We are concentrating on the teams currently above us," said Osprey coach Lynn Davies.
"Munster may have one eye on their Heineken Cup semi-final next weekend, but it is fair to say that there is never an easy game against Munster as everyone who pulls on the red shirt understands their responsibility. It looks like being a tight affair, something of a battle between the two sides, who consistently have the best defences so we know that we will have to be on top of our game."
Ospreys last win in Munster was in 2004. They could very easily bridge that gap with a win tonight.
MUNSTER: S Payne; B Carney, B Murphy, K Lewis, A Horgan; P Warwick, T O'Leary; F Pucciariello, F Sheahan, T Buckley; M O'Driscoll, P O'Connell; D Ryan, N Ronan, D Leamy. Replacements: J Flannery, M Horan, A Foley, D Wallace, P Stringer, J manning, K Earls.
OSPREYS: L Byrne; J Vaughton, S Parker, A Bishop, S Williams; J Hook, J Marshall; D Jones, H Bennett, C Griffiths; I Gough, I Evans; J Thomas, M Holah, F Tiatia. Replacements: E Shervington, A Millward, L Bateman, B Lewis, G Owen, J Spratt, A Brew.
Referee: J Jones (Wales)
Verdict: Ospreys to win
