Ospreys set for Stade

Wales centre Henson was a late withdrawal from the side that beat Sale Sharks 17-16 last Friday as the Ospreys bid to become only the second Heineken Cup side to ever win at Stade Francais.

Henson links up with All Blacks’ scrum-half Justin Marshall in the side captained by Wales prop Duncan Jones, while Huw Bennett comes in for Barry Williams at hooker.

Ospreys coach Lyn Jones said: “It was great to start this competition with a positive result against English champions Sale.

“We recognise that we have to improve what we can control and that primarily that means focusing on our performance.

“Saturday’s fixture represents what I am sure most rugby people would agree is the toughest test in European rugby.

“To face the French Championship leaders on their home patch is a massive challenge, but we will have to be careful not to show them too much respect.

“We will work on factors that are within our control, being our preparation and performance.

“We will concentrate on what is good in our game and look to go out and express ourselves in a positive manner.

“We clearly have the manpower required to get a result and if we see an improvement on last week’s performance, particularly in attack, we will be in with a shout.”
Ospreys: L Byrne, N Walker, S Parker, A Bishop, S Williams, G Henson, J Marshall, D Jones, H Bennett, A Jones, B Cockbain, I Evans, F Tiatia, S Tandy, R Jones