Both sides remain in contention for the title on a points basis as they chase down the lead and the games they have in hand on the the top three. Tonight’s clash won’t sort out the title, but could put the Ospreys third, and only two points behind Leinster with a game in hand, but Jones expects this derby against their closest local rivals to be far from easy.
“Matches against the Scarlets are highlights of any season and the attacking potential they showed against Leicester Tigers suggests that supporters should be in for a cracker of a match,” said Ospreys Coach Lyn Jones. “It will take a huge effort for us to get in contention to win the Magners League but if we maintain our focus, take each game at a time, and other results go our way there is a mathematical possibility that we will be there or thereabout at the end of the season.”
Looking to the weekend, Adam Jones hopes to be back in contention ahead of Friday’s visit of Leinster, along with Andy Lloyd (concussion), but Steve Tandy (pectoral muscle tear), Gavin Henson (knee ligament), Ian Evans (shoulder), Lyndon Bateman (knee ligament) and David Bishop (knee) will sit out the remainder of the season.
Scarlets: Barry Davies; Mark Jones, Regan King, Gavin Evans, Matthew Watkins; Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel; Iestyn Thomas, Matthew Rees, Craig Dunlea, Adam Jones, Scott MacLeod, Simon Easterby (capt), Gavin Thomas, Dafydd Jones
Replacements: Deacon Manu, Ken Owens, Inoke Afeaki, Alix Popham, Liam Davies, Ceiron Thomas, Darren Daniel
Ospreys: Lee Byrne; Nikki Walker, Sonny Parker, Andrew Bishop, Shane Williams; James Hook, Justin Marshall/ Jason Spice; Duncan Jones (capt), Barry Williams/Richard Hibbard, Cai Griffiths/Andrew Millward, Brent Cockbain/Mike Powell, Alun-Wyn Jones/Jon Thomas, Ryan Jones/Lee Beach, Richie Pugh, Filo Tiatia
Replacements: Richard Hibbard/Barry Williams, Cai Griffiths/Andrew Millward, Alun-Wyn Jones/Mike Powell, Lee Beach/ Tom Smith, Jason Spice/Martin Roberts, Shaun Connor, Stefan Terblanche
Referee: Hugh Watkins (WRU)
