Jones looks to break away-day blues

Jones’s side have failed to gain a win on the road in this season’s Magners League but are, remarkably, currently in third position and are challenging for the Celtic crown; thanks to their sparkling form at the Liberty Stadium. Today, Jones must take his side to Murrayfield and motivate his troops in what is likely to be a largely empty national stadium.

He said: “We are looking forward to the challenge of facing Edinburgh at Murrayfield as we have not secured a Magners League win away from home so far this season and we will be looking to end this run on Friday evening.

“This would put us in with a good chance of challenging Leinster, Ulster and Edinburgh for the title. We enjoy the trip to Edinburgh each season as they are a side who like to play fast free-flowing rugby and they present a stern test to any side that wants to play rugby against them.

“Edinburgh scored forty-eight points on their last outing against Connacht and they have shown good form to date this season.”

Twelve players are unavailable for selection for the Ospreys this week. Five players are unavailable due to Wales team commitments; Lee Byrne, Shane Williams, James Hook, Ryan Jones and Alun Wyn Jones, whilst the remaining seven still troubled by injuries.

However, Jones does call back two of his big hitters to the starting XV: “We are delighted to welcome Filo Tiatia and Sonny Parker back into our side as they are experienced international quality players who will add a lot to our game.

“We will take nothing for granted as Scotland had played well up until last Saturday and I am sure Edinburgh’s international players will be looking to put that match behind them and regain their form against us.”

Edinburgh: Alistair Warnock, Matt Dey, Ben Cairns, Peter Jorgensen, Lucio Lopez Fleming, Duncan Hodge (capt), Greig Laidlaw, Allan Jacobsen, Andrew Kelly, Geoff Cross, Matt Mustchin, Chris Bentley, Alasdair Strokosch, Simon Cross, Alan MacDonald

Replacements: Steven Lawrie, Dave Hewett, Fergus Pringle, Ross Rennie, John Senio, Phil Godman, Dave McCall

Ospreys: Stefan Terblanche; Jonathan Vaughton, Sonny Parker, Andrew Bishop, Richard Mustoe; Jason Spice, Justin Marshall; Paul James (capt), Barry Williams, Adam Jones, Brent Cockbain, Jonathan Thomas, Andy Lloyd, Steve Tandy, Filo Tiatia

Replacements: Huw Bennett, Cai Griffiths, Duncan