Preview: Ospreys v Cardiff Blues
Fifty up: Tiatia will make his fiftieth appearance for the Ospreys
Filo Tiatia will make his 50th Ospreys appearance on Tuesday when they entertain the Cardiff Blues in the Magners League at the Liberty Stadium.
Tiatia is joined in the back row by captain Ryan Jones and Steve Tandy in what is a strong looking side. Further to that new signing Jamie Nutbrown is on the bench and is expected to make his debut at some stage in the game.
It will be the Ospreys' second game in just five days, and the Blues' second in only four days. However coach Sean Holley is looking forward to the challenge of facing local rivals the Blues.
"We are all looking forward to Tuesday's game, which promises to be an exciting and physical encounter between two evenly matched teams," Holley said.
"They played very well themselves on Saturday evening and deserved to beat the reigning champions so we're in no doubt that it will be a difficult game. Derby fixtures are always interesting, and this will be no different, with so much at stake this season at domestic and international level, I'm sure that there will be some interesting battles to look for right across the pitch, with nothing being held back."
Rhodri Wells comes in at scrum-half, in place of Rhys Webb, to partner James Hook at half-back, and Shane Williams also returns to the starting XV in place of Nikki Walker.
The Blues have also made a number of changes, four in the backs and six up front. There is an entirely new front row, and an entirely new half-back combination - featuring Ceri Sweeney making his first competitive start.
"The Blues v Ospreys is obviously a big game in Wales, so it's a pity it's shoved in the middle of the week. We've only really had one day preparation for it which isn't ideal. We've had to juggle teams as going from a Saturday game to a Tuesday match, the preparation is practically non existent," said coach Dai Young.
"They have the same coaches who were there last year with Lyn, so we're expecting very much more of the same. Maybe they will make little changes here and there but we know enough about their players and they know enough about us.
"I think both teams have a lot of skilful players so I have no doubt really that it will be a quality game. The Liberty Stadium is a great stadium to play in and I think the Ospreys are going to be up there at the end of the season so I know its going to be a big test for us."
Form: The Ospreys sit atop the Magners League table courtesy of points difference following their 16-3 away victory in Connacht on Friday. The Ospreys only defeat at Liberty Stadium against a fellow Welsh region in their last seven such encounters was 9-14 to Scarlets almost exactly twelve months ago. Cardiff Blues are unbeaten in their last six matches in the Magners League after their 16-all draw with reigning champions Leinster at the Arms Park on Saturday. The Blues have won their last three away games in the Magners League and another victory would set a new Blues record on the road in the league. The last five meetings between the two regions have all gone the way of the home side on the day, whilst the Blues only victory so far at Liberty Stadium was 28-9 on 22 December 2005.
Prediction: With home advantage and an extra day's rest the Ospreys should take this one. Ospreys by 5.
The Teams:
Ospreys: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Shane Williams, 10 James Hook, 9 Rhodri Wells, 8 Ryan Jones (c), 7 Steve Tandy, 6 Filo Tiatia, 5 Ian Evans, 4 Alun Wyn Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Huw Bennett, 1 Duncan Jones.
Replacements: 16 Ed Shervington, 17 Paul James, 18 Ian Gough, 19 Tom Smith, 20 Jamie Nutbrown, 21 Gareth Owen, 22 Nikki Walker.
Cardiff Blues: 15 Ben Blair, 14 Richard Mustoe, 13 Jamie Robinson, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Aled Brew, 10 Ceri Sweeney, 9 Darren Allinson, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Robin-Sowden Taylor, 6 Ben White, 5 Scott Morgan, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Gary Powell, 2 T. Rhys Thomas, 1 Taufa'ao Filise.
Replacements: 16 Gethin Jenkins, 17 Gareth Williams, 18 Paul Tito, 19 Maama Molitika, 20 Jason Spice, 21 Nicky Robinson, 22 Tom Shanklin.
Date: Tuesday 9 September, 2008
Kick-off: 19:35 BST (18:35 GMT)
Venue: Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
Assistant Referees: Tim Hayes (WRU), Nigel Whitehouse (WRU)
Television Match Official: Derek Bevan (WRU)