The Ospreys welcome the Guinness PRO12 champions to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday having lost just one of their last seven league fixtures. That defeat was a 33-0 reverse against league leaders Munster but they have dropped just one possible league point from their six games at the Liberty Stadium so far this season. Connacht meanwhile lost both their Guinness PRO12 fixtures during the Christmas period, to Ulster and Munster, and sit eighth in the league table with four wins from 11 games. What’s at stake? Ospreys sit second and can move above Munster, who are playing their re-arranged European Champions Cup game with Racing 92, with a win. The Welsh outfit are two points behind Munster and can get themselves ahead of the Irish province ahead of their next league fixture against Edinburgh on February 4. Connacht cannot leapfrog Cardiff Blues, even with a bonus-point victory, but a win would move them further away from the chasing pack of Newport Gwent Dragons and the two Italian clubs. Team news (Ospreys) Hanno Dirksen makes his 100th Ospreys appearance on the wing while Sam Davies starts at fly-half with Dan Biggar moving to the bench. Dan Evans takes Davies’ place at full-back with Dafydd Howells on the wing after Keelan Giles was ruled out with a shoulder injury. In the pack, Nicky Smith is back at prop with Sam Parry starting at hooker and Dan Baker returning at No 8. Team news (Connacht) Connacht make three changes to the side that lost to Munster with John Cooney returning from injury to start at scrum-half. Sean O’Brien comes in at blindside flanker while there’s a first start for the Fijian-born back row Naulia Dawai following his move from Otago in New Zealand. Talking points: Head coach Pat Lam insists his players will be concentrating on getting their own performances right in order to try and grab some points from the Ospreys. “Our focus remains on improving our game and if we can nail our execution and detail, it will give us a great chance of challenging for the points on offer,” he said. “There is real excitement in the camp as we face another great challenge away to Ospreys who are flying high in the PRO12 championship. “They have one of the best all-round games as well as the most successful record at home this season, highlighted by their 29 points earned out of a possible 30. Meanwhile Ospreys’ Steve Tandy is determined to finish the festive period of fixtures on a strong note to send a message to the rest of the Guinness PRO12. “The PRO12 breaks for a month after this weekend so it’s important we make a statement, keep the momentum going, and ensure we are in a good place. “When you look at the run-in, after last season’s champions at home this weekend, we’ve got some big games coming up at the Liberty so we know there’s a huge amount of work to be done, but we are in a good place and are up for the challenge.” Key battle: Naulia Dawai has big shoes to fill when he steps in to No 8 for his debut Connacht start with John Muldoon missing his first game of the season. His opposite number is Ospreys and Wales’ Dan Baker who has made 11 appearances for his club so far this season scoring two tries. Key stat: Ospreys’ only two previous defeats to Connacht since the 2012/13 season both came last season when Connacht became champions. Prior to this the Irishmen’s previous victory away to the Ospreys came at The Gnoll in November 2004. Lions contenders: In one of the stand-out Guinness PRO12 fixtures of the round, Lions head coach Warren Gatland has plenty to keep an eye on in Swansea. Two-time Lions tourist Alun Wyn Jones will captain the Ospreys with Justin Tipuric also one to watch in the back row. Sam Davies has another chance to impress at fly-half while for Connacht full-back Tiernan O’Halloran and prop Finlay Bealham will be key performers. Did you know? Connacht’s only victory in their last five visits to Wales was 26-21 against Newport Gwent Dragons in February 2016. Ospreys: Top points scorer: 62 – Sam Davies Top try scorer: 5 – Ben John Connacht: Top points scorer: 68 – Jack Carty Top try scorer: 4 – Niyi Adeolokun TV: Live on Sky Sports Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record: Played 27, Ospreys won 19, Connacht won 8. At Liberty Stadium, 1.30pm Live on Sky Sports Referee: John Lacey (IRFU, 59th competition game) Assistant Referees: Gary Conway (IRFU), Dewi Phillips (WRU) Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU) TMO: Neil Paterson (SRU) Guinness PRO12 Final 2017 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 adults and €5 child, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie. For further information visit http://www.pro12rugby.com/final
