Preview: Ospreys vs Leinster

January 08, 2016
1542
Ultimate Rugby

KICK OFF: 19:45 (Sky Sports 1)

When these sides meet it is always a tense clash. In this fixture last year the 2 teams played out in a physical battle and nothing could separate them as the tie finished in a 9-9 draw.

Steve Tandy's side started off their PRO 12 campaign badly with just one win in 6, however they are now in flying form winning their last 5 games. The Welsh region have a chance to move into the top 4 with a win on Friday night and they have named a mixed starting XV to do so.

Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric are only fit enough for the bench, while Dan Lydiate misses out through injury. Dan Biggar is back into the starting line in place of Sam Davies.

Ospreys have only recorded one win in their last 7 against Leinster but boss Steve Tandy is gunning for the win this time out.

"This is the second game in a huge month for us, a period that we've all got to enjoy," he said.

"Over the last two months we've shown no end of character and heart but, that is the minimum expected of anyone who wears the Ospreys shirt.

"That's got to be backed up by the right attitudes and behaviours, day in, day out, in preparation during the week and on matchday, which will help ensure the boys reach their potential.

"It's a relentless month and that's what we've got to be as a group now, relentless. If we aren't, we won't get what we want from these games.

"Leinster had to deal with similar issues to ourselves at the start of the season due to their over contribution to the Rugby World Cup but have more than made up for that as they've played their way towards the top of the table."

Leinster have had a turn of fortune in recent weeks, with 6 wins in their last 6 domestically including gritty wins away to Munster and at home to Connacht.

Leinster's recent record in Wales makes for grim reading, as they are winless in Wales on their last four visits.

Head coach Leo Cullen has made six changes from the side that beat Connacht last time out, which includes captain Isa Nacewa starting on the right wing.

Luke Fitzgerland and Luke McGrath are fit, so they come into the backline while Tadhg Furlong, Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip come into the forwards.

Garry Ringrose, Ross Molony and Josh Van der Flier all miss out on the final 23.

Backs coach Girvin Dempsey is not underestimating their opponents and expects a tough game.

"I think you look at them over the last five weeks they've been very impressive.

"They're really starting to hit a vein of form. I know they're mid-table but they're moving up.

"They've had two very big wins over the last couple of weekends; going over to Scarlets and they come away with a one-point victory (26-27), and on the weekend there against Dragons (12-7).

"It's going to be a big task (against Ospreys) and we know it is. What we're trying to do is build on the performance from Munster into Connacht, and now we know if we want to be in the top four or even the top two come the end of the season these are the games we have to be winning."

Prediction: Ospreys by 3. Expect a tough an bruising encounter but home advantage just edges the Ospreys in front.