 | CELTIC LEAGUE Ospreys v Ulster Friday, 5 August, 1905 BST The Gnoll |
Wales' discarded squad members Gavin Henson and Gavin Thomas have been left on the bench for the Ospreys' first competitive match. There are starting spots for summer signings Andy Williams, Luke Tait and Samoan international Elvis Seveali'i in a team including nine of Neath's side from last season and three from Swansea.
Steve Tandy is not available due to a virus, while Shane Williams, Gareth Llewellyn, Jon Thomas, Adam Jones, Huw Bennett and Duncan Jones are absent on Wales World Cup duty.
"Our players have bonded well, are enjoying the training and the brand of rugby we plan to develop, and we feel we have a winning team who will do well over the season ahead," said Ospreys coach Lyn Jones.
|  Hopefully I can bring a bit of experience and help the young players develop |
"Ulster are a strong side who have been successful in European competition over many years and will provide us with a formidable challenge." Former Australian Test prop Rod Moore will make his competitive debut for the Irish province after signing as cover for the injured Robbie Kempson.
"It is good to be involved straight away," said Moore, "Playing is the best way to get the know the squad."
Simon Best's availability for the Celtic League campaign is also in doubt because of his involvement with the Irish squad.
Rowan Frost and former Connacht prop Ronan McCormack will also make their competitive debuts for Ulster.
World Cup hopefuls Gary Longwell has been selected, but centre Jonathan Bell is a late withdrawal with an achilles injury, Shane Stewart taking his place.
With David Humphreys unavailable because of Ireland's World Cup warm-up game against Scotland, Paddy Wallace will start at fly-half.
The Ospreys have been boosted after securing five new sponsors for the coming season, Air Wales plc, Cuddy Group plc, RKL Plywood (UK) Ltd, Liberty Properties plc and KooGa Rugby Ltd.
Neath-Swansea Ospreys: Adrian Durston; Dave Tiueti, James Storey, Scott Gibbs (capt), Elvis Seveali'l; Shaun Connor, Andy Williams; Paul James, Barry Williams, Andrew Millward, Andy Newman, Luke Tait, James Bater, Nathan Bonner-Evans, Richard Pugh.
Replacements: Gareth Morris, Gavin Henson, Ricky Richards, Chris Wells, Gavin Thomas, Lyndon Bateman, Jones.
Ulster: B Cunningham; S Young, R Constable, S Stewart, T Howe; P Wallace, N Doak; R McCormack, M Sexton, R Moore, G Longwell, R Frost, A Ward, N Best, R Wilson.
Replacements: P Shields, B Young, M Mustchin, N McMillan, K Campbell, A Larkin, S Mallon.
Referee: Gregg Davies (Scotland)
MMIX
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