Top test for the Ospreys says Johnson
Ospreys boss Scott Johnson says his team is focused on moving ‘up to the next level’ this weekend when they face Cardiff at the Liberty Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the big match 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.
“We realise the size of the challenge on Friday if we are going to make it two wins from two in the derbies. Make no mistake about it, we are going up against a very good side. The Blues are a team packed with quality and experience, and with 10 to call upon in their squad they probably have more Lions available than any other side in the Magners League with is an indication of the strength in depth they have.
“They took a real stride forward in terms of results and achievements last season, and with a fantastic new stadium and facilities at the Vale that really are out of this world, understandably, expectations have risen accordingly.
“They may not have got the results that they would have hoped for this season so far, but the quality in the squad speaks for itself, and after a good win on Sunday night, they will approach Friday’s game with confidence. It’s going to be another great occasion, just like Boxing Day was, with a big crowd and a great atmosphere. It kicks off an important month for the Ospreys, and we are all excited about what lies in store. We know that we have to get the performance right, starting with Friday.”
Following a convincing 42-13 win over the Dragons on the 27th, the Blues too are looking to kickstart 2010 with a bang.
Welsh prop Gethin Jenkins continues to captain the side with Paul Tito on the bench while Australian import Sam Norton-Knight will once again be at flyhalf alongside scrumhalf Richie Rees and inside centre Tom Shanklin.
The Teams
Ospreys: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Nikki Walker, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Ryan Jones (captain), 7 Marty Holah, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jonathan Thomas, 4 Ian Gough, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Cai Griffiths, 18 Ian Evans, 19 Filo Tiatia, 20 Jamie Nutbrown, 21 Jonathan Spratt, 22 Gareth Owen
Cardiff Blues: 15 Ben Blair, 14 Richard Mustoe, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Tom Shanklin, 11 Tom James, 10 Sam Norton-Knight, 9 Richie Rees, 8 Xavier Rush, 7 Robin Sowden Taylor, 6 Sam Warburton, 5 Scott Morgan, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Gary Powell, 2 T Rhys Thomas, 1 Gethin Jenkins (captain)
Replacements: 16 Gareth Williams, 17 Taufa’au Filise, 18 Paul Tito, 19 Ben White, 20 Gareth Cooper, 21 Ceri Sweeney, 22 Gareth Thomas
Date: Friday, 1 January
Venue: Liberty Stadium
Time: 17.15 (17.15 GMT)
