Ospreys tackle Ulster in Magners League

The Ospreys will unleash eight of Wales' Grand Slam stars on Ulster tonight (Fri) as they try to avoid a Heineken Cup play-off.

Lyn Jones' side have their sights on a EDF Energy and Heineken Cup double but could face a showdown
against Italy's third-best team for a place in Europe next season should they finish the Magners League season as Wales' fourth placed side.

The star-studded Ospreys lie just two points and one place above the Newport Gwent Dragons, who played European Challenge Cup rugby two season's ago after losing to Overmach Rugby Parma.

And coach Jones insists they will not take the Irishmen lightly at the Liberty Stadium. He said: "It's a huge game for us because we need to start moving up the table.

"We've played Ulster three times this season and although we won convincingly at home in the Heineken Cup, they are usually tight affairs.

"We're under no illusions that this will be a difficult game. Ulster have turned the corner and have picked up some big wins in recent weeks.

"But the squad are buzzing after last weekend's win over Saracens and we want that to continue."

The Six Nations trophy will be on show in Swansea as Wales heroes Shane Williams, James Hook, Sonny Parker, and Jonathan Thomas are all involved.

Wales contingent Gavin Henson, Lee Byrne, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones and skipper Ryan Jones have been rested with the Heineken Cup quarter-final against Saracens just nine days away.

Ospreys: J Vaughton; N Walker, S Parker, A Bishop, S Williams; J Hook, J Marshall; D Jones, H Bennett, C Griffiths, I Gough, I Evans, J Thomas, F Tiatia (capt), B Lewis
Replacements: R Hibbard, P James, AW Jones, T Smith, R Webb, S Connor, J Spratt