If the Ospreys can repeat the performance and win at the Stade Jean Boin, it will mean the end of Stade’s campaign. But Stade are a supremely strong side at home, a fact that Ospreys coach Lyn Jones knows all to well.
“Stade Francais are one of the best sides in Europe and they still have everything to play for in the Heineken Cup,” he said. “They will be looking for revenge after their defeat at the Liberty Stadium, but we showed significant improvements against Clermont last weekend and the players are keen to maintain performance levels this weekend.
“They have got strength in depth throughout their side with no obvious weaknesses. Our lineout and kicking game was solid against Clermont and we will again need to be on top of this aspect of our game if we are to secure a strong platform and territorial advantage.
“Playing Stade Francais in Paris is one of the biggest challenges in rugby and our players are looking forward to experiencing the unique French atmosphere in front of what I am sure will be an intimidating crowd.”
Jones selection is restriced with ten players unavailable. Gavin Henson and Ian Evans are serving suspensions following the match against Leicester, but it is the injury list that has caused Jones the biggest headache.
Wales International wing Shane Williams has a slight leg strain and Richard Pugh suffered a dead leg against Clermont last weekend in the Round Five match, and are both unavailable.
Andy Lloyd (knee ligament) will possibly return against Glasgow next weekend. Brent Cockbain (hamstring), Ryan Jones (shoulder reconstruction) and David Bishop (fractured kneecap) are unlikely to play this season, while Barry Williams (back) and Paul James (neck) are under assessment.
Stade Francais: JM Hernandez; N Corleto, D Skrela, G Messina, C Dominici; A Penaud, J Fillol; S Marconnet, B Kayser, P de Villiers, D Auradou (capt), M James, P Rabadan, R Martin, S Sowerby Replacements: M Blin, Y Montes, A Marchois, S Parisse, M Williams, O Sarramea, M Bergamasco
Ospreys: A Cashmore; S Terblanche, S Parker, L Davies, R Mustoe; S Connor, R Rees; D Jones (capt), R Hibbard, A Jones, A Newman, L Bateman, J Bater, L Beach, J Thomas Replacements: C Griffiths, A Millward, H Bennett, S Tandy, R Wells, M Jones, A Bishop
Referee: Chris White (England)
