Allen Clarke’s side face Northampton Saints in Bridgend on Saturday afternoon with the English outfit including Wales fly-half star Dan Biggar in their match day squad.
Biggar switched from the Ospreys to Northampton this summer, but will go up against his former team straight away as both sides warm-up for their respective new campaigns.
“We are looking forward to going to Bridgend and getting what will be a valuable run out against quality opposition on Saturday,” said Ospreys head coach Clarke.
“The line-up is a reflection of the stage we are at in pre-season in terms of training performance, combinations we want to see together, and individuals we want a closer look at.”
Wales caps Cory Allen, Sam Davies, Rhodri Jones, Adam Beard and Sam Cross all start the game for the Ospreys at the Morganstone Brewery Field.
Big guns and summer signings George North, Scott Williams and Aled Davies aren’t involved, nor are lock icon Alun Wyn Jones or Justin Tipuric.
Rob McCusker captains Clarke’s men from No 8 while Wales sevens ace Luke Morgan – who has signed a trial stint at the Liberty Stadium – begins on the wing.
Northampton have named an inexperienced starting XV, but Biggar is joined among the replacements by England internationals James Haskell, Luther Burrell and Teimana Harrison.
“This game will be a step up from where we’ve been over the last couple of weeks and will give us the opportunity to measure where we are as a team,” said Clarke of taking on the Saints.
“Our focus has been on certain areas of our game and there are other aspects that will become the focus as Edinburgh at the Liberty Stadium on the August 31 draws nearer.
“There is some exciting young talent having a run-out, bolstered by a number of experienced players.
“It’s a good combination that should excite supporters who understand it’s the first test ahead of bigger challenges over the coming weeks and months.”
