Ospreys v Munster

CELTIC LEAGUE Live on BBC2 Wales & 2W digital

St Helen's, Swansea
Friday, 3 September
Kick-off: 1905 BST

The Ospreys have gone against Wales' wishes in picking their internationals for Friday night's Celtic League opener against Munster at St Helen's.

Jon Thomas starts, despite the Wales management's plea for his pre-season fitness regime to be extended.

Sonny Parker is over his hand ligament injury and should be on the bench, along with Wales prop Duncan Jones.

Shane Williams is back after a throat infection, but Andy Lloyd, Huw Bennett and Luke Tait are out injured.

We may need time to grow as a team Ospreys coach Lyn Jones

Bennett will be missing for two weeks with a hernia, but Lloyd's hamstring should be fine by next week.

Tait is expected back from his long-standing neck injury some time in September.

"The playing and coaching staff are keen to get the season up and running," said Ospreys coach Lyn Jones.

"As was the case last season we have pulled together a new squad, and we may need time to grow as a team, but hope we have enough individual quality to carry us through this period.

"Munster are an example of where we are striving to get to, but are still a few years ahead of us.

LAST SEASON'S RESULTS 27 September: Ospreys 33-26 Munster 27 February: Munster 15-18 Ospreys

"They have developed a great side under Alan Gaffney, have had some success over recent years, and have a support base that will demand that this continues.

"They have recruited well at outside-half in Paul Burke, and have a fine set of backs, complemented by a strong platform up front. I am sure they will pose a formidable challenge."

As expected, Munster are without their Ireland internationals, but a team containing the likes of Jim Williams and Christian Cullen will pose a strong challenge.

Centre James Storey makes an early return to St Helen's following his summer move to Ireland from the Ospreys, whilst Ireland Under-21 lock Shane O'Connor makes his Munster debut.

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Ospreys: G Henson; S Terblanche, D Bishop, E Seveali'i, S Williams; M Jones, J Spice; P James, B Williams (capt), A Millward, A Newman, L Bateman, J Thomas, R Pugh, R Jones.

Replacements (from): A Durston, S Parker, A Williams, D Jones, R Hibbard, B Cockbain, N Bonner-Evans.

Munster: C Cullen; S Payne, M Mullins, J Storey, A Horgan; P Burke, M Prendergast; F Roche, J Flannery, G McIlwham, S O'Connor, T Hogan, S Keogh, D Leamy, J Williams.

Replacements: J Kelly, J Holland, E Reddan, M Storey, J Blaney, J O'Connor, D Ryan.

Referee: Rob Dickson (Scotland)

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