Thomas starts for Ospreys in Anglo Welsh Cup

The Ospreys have named their team for the Anglo Welsh (LV=) Cup which will face Northampton Saints on Thursday 5th November 2009 at Liberty Stadium

Kick off at 7.45pm.

Nicky Thomas makes his first Ospreys start after coming off the bench for his debut against Glasgow last Friday

Ross Davies, Will Taylor, James King and James Tipuric will make their Ospreys debuts if they come off the bench during the game (King featured briefly as a blood replacement against Glasgow)

Ospreys Head Coach Sean Holley commented:”We’re really looking forward to it, we’ve got a proud history in the Anglo Welsh tournament as previous winners and twice finalists.

“I’m not sure there are that many squads who could cope with so many unavailabilities, but it is a real plus that we have those youngsters coming through. They are quality players and it’s a real chance for them on a big stage against a top team.

“Northampton are playing some good stuff this year. They’ve got a good coaching team and a good blend of players who play attacking rugby. They’ve been a real threat in the Premiership this year, and are giving it a real go in the Heineken Cup having won the Shield last season.

“We are expecting a difficult game, a fast game, which should be entertaining for the supporters, so hopefully there’ll be plenty who opt to spend Bonfire Night watching the fireworks at the Liberty!”

The Ospreys team to face Northampton Saints

15 Barry Davies, 14 Nicky Thomas, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Kristian Phillips, 10 Gareth Owen, 9 Liam Davies,1 Ryan Bevington, 2 Richard Hibbard, 3 Cai Griffiths, 4 Ian Gough (Capt), 5 Filo Tiatia, 6 Jerry Collins, 7 Steve Tandy, 8 Tom Smith

Replacements: 16 Ed Shervington, 17 Ross Davies, 18 Will Taylor, 19 James King, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Rhodri Wells, 22 Jonathan Spratt, 23 Ashley Beck