MAGNER'S LEAGUE - Cardiff Blues v Ospreys:DEPLETED OSPREYS have dropped outhalf James Hook and made a number of positional switches for their Magners League derby at Cardiff Blues this afternoon.
Ospreys have moved Wales full-back Lee Byrne to wing and switched Gavin Henson to fullback. Hook drops to the bench, so Dan Biggar starts at outhalf, partnering Mike Phillips at half-back.
Wales winger Shane Williams misses out due to a shoulder injury. The problem is affecting one of the rotator cuff tendons in his right shoulder and, having being seen by a shoulder specialist, Williams has had treatment to try to help settle his symptoms in the short term.
If he responds well he should be available for consideration for either the Munster or Perpignan fixture in early January.
Ospreys have a long injury list at present as wing Nikki Walker, flanker Ben Lewis, prop Duncan Jones, locks Ian Evans and Lyndon Bateman, backrow Andy Lloyd, hooker Huw Bennett and backs Gareth Owen and Jonathan Spratt all remain sidelined.
Blues are without prop Gary Powell and centre Jamie Robinson through injury, the pair having picked up minor knocks in the win over the Dragons.
Wing Leigh Halfpenny and utility back Ceri Sweeney are named on the bench.
Sweeney gives way at outhalf to Nicky Robinson, despite his try-scoring performance in the 21-19 win against former regional side Newport Gwent Dragons on St Stephen's Day.
Wales stars Martyn Williams and Gethin Jenkins are both recalled to the Blues' starting line-up.
But Ospreys assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys is confident his charges can emerge on top.
"We are favourites. If we prepare well, if we play well and we get our act together then we should win the game," he said. "And I'm sure the Blues would say exactly the same thing.
"But there is a huge amount of expectation on this region and as a region you have to learn to live with that expectation. It would be wrong of us if we did not think we are not in with a very good shout of winning this game."
Humphreys is full of respect for what the Blues have achieved this year, especially their unbeaten record in the Heineken Cup which saw them get back-to-back wins against Biarritz.
"They are full of confidence and it's going to be a very physical battle, I'm sure of that. But hopefully it will be a good one to watch," added Humphreys. "They were excellent against Biarritz at home and away. It was a fantastic result for them down there."
Ospreys go into the clash having beaten the Scarlets 20-6 at home on Saturday, while the Blues are also in buoyant mood following their success at the Dragons.
Cardiff director of rugby Dai Young said: "Both teams have got better as the season has progressed so it will be interesting to see how much we've developed.
"Both teams will not only be looking to pick up points in the Magners League, but I imagine they will also be building towards the Heineken Cup matches in January."
CARDIFF BLUES:B Blair; R Mustoe, T Shanklin, G Thomas, T James; N Robinson, J Spice; G Jenkins, G Williams, T Filise, D Jones, P Tito (capt), M Molitika, M Williams, A Powell. Replacements: J Yapp, T R Thomas, S Morgan, R Sowden Taylor, D Allinson, C Sweeney, L Halfpenny.
OSPREYS:G Henson; T Bowe, S Parker, A Bishop, L Byrne; D Biggar, M Phillips, P James, R Hibbard, A Jones, I Gough, A Wyn Jones, R Jones (capt), M Holah, F Tiatia.
Replacements:Ed Shervington, I Griffiths, J Thomas, T Smith, J Nutbrown, J Hook, J Vaughton.
Referee:Nigel Owens (WRU)
