The Ospreys have named a second-string side for the clash of the champions against the Magners League leaders Leinster at the RDS Showground.

Jonathan Spratt and Gareth Owen form an inexperienced midfield partnership after an injury crisis at centre.

Neath three-quarter Spratt, 21, makes his first start for the region.

Sonny Parker (knee), Gavin Henson (hand), Mark Taylor (hamstring) and Shane Williams (leg) hope to be fit to face Gloucester in Europe next week.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Leinster v Ospreys

Andrew Bishop is out for six to eight weeks with a broken thumb.

Wales hooker Richard Hibbard starts after returning from a knee problem, but Barry Williams (hip) is a long-term injury.

"This has been an extremely challenging holiday period for our players and although it has brought the best out them we had a lot of bruised and battered bodies in training," said Ospreys coach Lyn Jones.

"We are in confident mood gained from our good form over the last few months, the players are excited and energised by the prospect of playing against individuals of the quality at Leinster's disposal.

LAST LEAGUE MEETING 23 November: Ospreys 19-26 Leinster

"The team we have selected has a mix of experience and potential and we field a pack of forwards that we are confident are right for this encounter."

Leinster are unbeaten in their last five league matches and have only been beaten once at home since November 2005.

The Ospreys have yet to win on the road in the league in their misfiring defence of the Magners crown.

Leinster: tbc

Ospreys: Jonathan Vaughton; Nikki Walker, Gareth Owen, Jonathan Spratt, Aled Brew; Shaun Connor, Mike Phillips; Paul James (capt), Richard Hibbard, Cai Griffiths, Lyndon Bateman, Andrew Lloyd, Hale T-Pole, Ben Lewis, Tom Smith.
Replacements: Ed Shervington, Andrew Millward, Alun Wyn Jones, Filo Tiatia, Steve Tandy, Martin Roberts, Adrian Thomas.