Celtic League Preview: So begins the run of Connacht's six home games in succession and doubtlessly their coach, Michael Bradley, will wish to continue where he left off last week, when his team defeated Border Reivers 29-15 for four points and a place of second on the table.
It also continued Connacht's run of never having lost an opening game in the competition and against a side with an entire pack of international players.
Not surprisingly, Bradley has decided not to change the side too much and only Keith Matthews comes in on the right wing in place of Darren Yapp, who is troubled with a leg injury.
As usual, it was the Connacht determination that pushed them on and not without significant input from a couple of individuals, who Bradley picked for particular praise.
"It was a great team performance but the displays of Mark McHugh at outhalf and Andrew Farley up front were crucial. We needed composure behind the scrum and Mark obliged, and when we needed to stem their early dominance up front, Andrew led the way.
"You need guys to stand out like that. It may be someone else the next day, but I was very happy with the way they performed," said Bradley.
Six home matches in a row brings its own pressure. Bad results in the Sportsground could sour a season, while a run of wins would add incredible momentum to Connacht's hopes for the year.
Ospreys, with a win under their belts against Edinburgh, have seven players unavailable due to suspension and injury but line up with several big names, including Brent Cockbain in the secondrow and Gavin Henson and Shane Williams at inside centre and left wing respectively.
They have also rejigged their backrow, bringing in Richard Pugh and Andrew Lloyd for Steve Tandy and Jonathan Thomas. The one change in the backs sees Scotland wing Nikki Walker rotate with Sal Telly.
Coach Lyn Jones, like most, respects the unity of Bradley's side but seems quietly confident of taking home something out of the visit to Galway.
"Connacht have been a difficult side for all of the Welsh regions to beat over the last few years," he said.
"Although we were disappointed with the scoreline, our performance last weekend was a step in the right direction with 10 players playing their first game in months. We caught Connacht at a low point last May, but totally understand the size of Friday night's challenge."
You can't not bet against the home side, who will see this tranche of matches as a barometer for the season.
Connacht v Ospreys
Sportsground 6.30
CONNACHT: M Mostyn; C McPhillips, P Warwick, G Williams, K Matthews; M McHugh, C Keane; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, S Knoop; D Gannon, A Farley; J Muldoon, M Lacey, C Rigney. Replacements: J Fogarty, M Diffley, M Swift, B O'Connor, T Tierney, D Yapp, D Riordan.
OSPREYS: L Byrne; N Walker, S Parker, G Henson, S Williams; J Hook, J Marshall; D Jones, B Williams, B Jones, B Cockbain, A Wyn Jones, A Lloyd, R Pugh, R Jones. Replacements: R Hibbard, P James, L Bateman, F Tiatia, M Roberts, A Bishop, T Selley
Referee: I Heard (Scotland).
Previous meetings: (Oct 03) Ospreys 22, Leinster 33, (April 04) Connacht 24, Ospreys 21; (Nov 04) Ospreys 9, Connacht 10; (April 05) Connacht 13, Ospreys 22; (Oct 05) Ospreys 18, Connacht 17; (May 06) Connacht 16, Ospreys 44.
Leading points scorers: Connacht - M McHugh 14pts; Ospreys - J Hook 8pts.
Leading try scorers: Connacht - P Warwick 1; Ospreys none. Forecast: Home win
