Ospreys to rely on back-up players for Leinster clash

The Ospreys will have their strength in depth tested to the limit for the visit of Magners League champions Leinster to The Liberty Stadium on Friday.

Richard Hibbard, Nikki Walker, Ben Lewis, Duncan Jones, Ian Evans and Lyndon Bateman are all out injured, while there are 12 internationals on duty with Wales ahead of their Six Nations clash in Italy.

"The team that will feature at the weekend will include a lot of youngsters, but it is an exciting line-up because of the quality of these players," said captain Paul James.

"There's been a lot said already about players like Gareth Owen, who I think showed his class in his first game back after injury against Connacht, and Dan Biggar who has already played for Wales, but there are others like Kristian Phillips who is a great finisher who I think can really impress on Friday night if they get the chance".

Ospreys: G Owen; J Vaughton, S Parker, A Bishop, K Phillips; D Biggar, J Nutbrown; P James (capt), E Shervington, C Griffiths, F Levi, A Lloyd, T Smith, M Holah, F Tiatia.

Replacements: M Breeze, C Mitchell, R Pitman, S Tandy, R Wells, J Spratt, D Bishop.