The Italian side inflicted a shock 13-6 defeat on play-off regulars Ulster in round four to clinch their first points of the new campaign. They face a table-topping Ospreys side full of belief after racking up 142 points in their four league victories so far. But their 100 percent record is under threat as Zebre were the last side to beat Steve Tandy’s men in the 30-27 cracker at the tail-end of last season.
Rhys Webb has earned a rest after he scored four tries in as many matches – Martin Roberts comes in for his first start in his second spell at the region. Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones is also named amongst the replacements with Lloyd Peers returning to the second-row after he recovered from a hamstring injury. Jonathan Spratt will captain the side from the centre as he replaces Andrew Bishop, but the contest has come too soon for Justin Tipuric who is out with concussion.
Captain Marco Bortolami returns to the Zebre side as the only change in the pack with Luciano Orquera and Gonzalo Garcia replacing Edoardo Padovani and Kelly Haimona in the back division.
Head Coach Steve Tandy said: “This is another test for us, another 80 minutes where we will find out a lot about the character of this squad. It was a good result in Munster and the attitude and desire displayed was first class. However, it wasn’t all good, and after the match there was a realisation that ill discipline could have lost us that game.
“There’s been a lot of hard work and some home truths spoken this week, to make sure everyone realises where we need to improve going into this game. In fairness to the group, they are well aware of the need to keep striving for improvement and there is a good attitude in the squad. If we can harness that, keep working hard as a collective, then the squad can continue improving week on week.”
Ospreys: D Evans, J Hassler, J Spratt (c), J Matevesi, D Biggar, M Roberts; N Smith, S Baldwin, D Arhip, L Peers, R Bernardo, J Bearman, J King, M Allen.
Replacements: S Parry, D Jones, C Griffiths, AW Jones, S Lewis, R Webb, S Davies, A Bishop.
Zebre: H Daniller, G Toniolatti, G Bisegni, G Garcia, L Sarto, L Orquera, G Palazzani; M Aguero, A Manici, D Chistolini, G Biagi, M Bortolami (c), Ma Bergamasco, F Cristiano, S Vunisa.
Replacements: O Fabiani, A Lovotti, L Leibson, Q Geldenhuys, V Bernabo, A Chillon, K Haimona, Mi Bergamasco.
