By Zippy
August 26 2006

A preview of the hopes for the Neath-Swansea Ospreys in the upcoming season in the Celtic League, Anglo-Welsh Cup and Heineken Cup, for details read on.

Ospreys
Coach: Lyn Jones
Captain: Duncan Jones

In: Nikki Walker (Borders), Justin Marshall (Leeds Tykes), James Hook (Neath), Filogia Tiatia (Toyota Verblitz), Lee Byrne (Scarlets), Tal Selley (Scarlets), Chris Martenko (development contract, Pontypridd RFC), Mike Powell (Bridgend), Nicky Griffiths (Bridgend)

Out: Rhodri Wells (Cornish Pirates), Aled Brew (season-long loan to Dragons), Adrian Cashmore (retiring), Andy Newman (Glasgow), Richie Rees (London Irish), Damian Karauna (released), Leigh Davies (released), James Bater (Scarlets), Des Dillon (returned to Leinster at end of loan)

First choice XV:

1. D Jones 2. H Bennett 3. A Jones 4. Cockbain 5. I Evans 6. J Thomas 7. Pugh 8. R Jones 9. Marshall 10. Hook 11. Williams 12. Henson 13. Parker 14. Terblanche 15. Byrne

Zippy View:

After last seasons disaster the Ospreys have splashed the cash on bringing in Marhsall and Byrne and both look top signings.

Up front the Ospreys have the best all round pack in Wales and it is not inconceivable that all 8 could represent Wales some time this season. The hair bears are now established world class, Bennett needs a big season after a disappointing summer tour. At lock the Ospreys have Cockbain to add to last seasons finds Ian Evans and Alun Wyn-Jones. In the back row the return of Ryan Jones is massive.

Marshall will need to nurse the talented James Hook through his first season at this level, the first choice centre pairing of Henson and Parker is world class and the back 3 will score tries and the acquisition of Byrne important.

The problem could be strength in depth at 10,12 & 13 which was in part responsible for their poor season last year.

There are also question marks over Lyn Jones ability to send out a consistent side.

Talent but questions to answer.

Zippy Prediction:

The Ospreys could well target the Heineken Cup but that could be a season too earely for them and they could look to a Celtic League for glory and anything outside a top 3 finish would be a poor return on their investment.