Johnson urges Ospreys to get into winning habit

OSPREYS coach Scott Johnson is keen for his side to get into a positive frame of mind ahead of a month that will shape their season.

The Welsh outfit saw off local rivals the Scarlets on St Stephen’s Day, and face another derby date with Cardiff Blues at the Liberty Stadium today (5.15pm).

The Ospreys will be keen to cement their place at the right end of the table, as well as building confidence ahead of a crucial Heineken Cup month, as they are in a three-way fight with Leicester Tigers and Clermont Auvergne to emerge from their pool.

Johnson said: “With another massive derby match coming up straight away, it’s the perfect chance for us to work on the areas of concern that we have after the Scarlets game, and to focus on taking us up to the next level.”

Meanwhile, the Blues picked up a number of injuries in the victory over the Dragons and several key men subsequently not available for selection.

Martyn Williams has had an injection in his shoulder after the Dragons match and misses out today.

Jamie Roberts suffered a bang to his head against the Dragons and is out while Andy Powell misses the match due to family reasons.

Deiniol Jones is suffering with a minor neck injury while Leigh Halfpenny has a minor knee injury against Toulouse but should be fit for the trip to Edinburgh.

OSPREYS: L Byrne; T Bowe, S Parker, A Bishop, N Walker; D Biggar, R Janaurie; P james, R Hibbard, A Jones; I Gough, J Thomas; J Collins, M Holah, R Jones (capt).

Replacements: H Bennett, C Griffiths, I Evans, F Tiatia, J Nutbrown, J Spratt, G Owen.

CARDIFF BLUES: B Blair; R Mustoe, C Laulala, T Shanklin, T James; S Norton-Knight, R Rees; G Jenkins (capt), R Thomas, G Powell; B Davies, S Morgan; S Warburton, R Sowden-Taylor, X Rush.

Replacements: G Williams, T Filise, P Tito, B White, G Cooper, Ci Sweeney, G Thomas.

Referee: James Jones (WRU).