Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy believes the reigning RaboDirect PRO12 champions will need to show character and resilience in abundance during the rest of the international spell – starting with Friday’s trip to Edinburgh. The reigning champions travel to Scotland on the back of a victory and a defeat in the LV= Cup, while Edinburgh’s last match was their 45-20 defeat to RaboDirect PRO12 league-leaders Ulster on November 2. Ospreys will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 23-13 LV=Cup defeat at Exeter Chiefs by extending a winning run in the league which currently stands at five games on the bounce. While a host of key players are out for international duty, midfield stalwart Andrew Bishop will make his 181st appearance for the region, moving him past Paul James as the most capped Osprey of all time. Prop Owen Williams stands to make his league debut while Hanno Dirksen, who scored a spectacular match-winning try in last season’s fixture, misses out after it was revealed he requires knee surgery. Because of the international break Tandy will call on a mix of youth and experience and insists he has been delighted with the way his fringe players reacted to the chance of LV= Cup rugby. “There’s a lot of responsibility on some young shoulders during international periods and it’s been pleasing to see players stepping up to the mark,” he said. “What is equally important to us is the input of senior guys like Duncan, Bearman, Gough and Fussell. “We’ve kept hold of a group of experienced players who have the right attitude, knowing we can mould the young players around them. “We are going to have to show plenty of spirit, commitment and desire on and off the pitch if we are going to get what we want from these matches in the international break. “Like us, Edinburgh will be hit by international call ups as well but I think that makes these periods all the more exciting. We want to see what strength in depth there is out there and unearth a few hidden gems.” By contrast to their opponents, Edinburgh resume RaboDirect PRO12 duty looking to get their first win in four matches – but with an extra two week rest behind them. Michael Bradley has made six changes to the side which lost to league-leaders Ulster in their last outing, with hooker Ross Ford returning from Scotland duty. Edinburgh have seven international players absent – including leading try-scorer Tim Visser – but Bradley is adamant his side have put their two-week rest to good use. “This match is hugely important to our season. It’s up to us to put a marker down and start this phase of the season on the front foot,” he said. “We return to rugby and look to get moving against a formidable opponent in the shape of the PRO12 champions. “They come here full of confidence having won five on the bounce and will be keen to maintain their run and underline their championship credentials.” At Murrayfield , 7.05pm. Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU, 16th competition game) Assistant Referees: David Changleng, Adrian Graves (both SRU) Citing Commissioner: Joihn Kirk (SRU) TMO: Iain Heard (SRU) Live on BBC Wales
