It’s six wins out of six for Ospreys so far in the GUINNESS PRO12 and head coach Steve Tandy is looking for his side to pick up where they left off this Friday. A victory against Connacht at the Liberty Stadium would see Ospreys equal their best start to a PRO12 campaign, set in 2004/5. The Welshmen have lost only once at Liberty Stadium in any tournament since January: 11-25 to Munster in the PRO12 on February 23. Tandy will be missing some key international faces for the clash – most notably skipper Alun Wyn Jones and in-form half-back pairing Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar. Justin Tipuric takes his place in the Ospreys lineup alongside Ieuan Jones who signed on a one-month loan deal this week from Cardiff Blues. Meanwhile Ashley Beck will be on the bench and could be in line for his first appearance of the season following a hip injury. But despite the absence of key figures Tandy insists the region’s youngsters can handle the pressure of playing and is hoping to put the recent European defeat to Northampton Saints behind them. “There’s disappointment in the group after the last match,” said Tandy. “A lot of the boys have gone off on international duty now so there’s a fresh crop to come in and hopefully we’ll pick up where we left off in the GUINNESS PRO12. “It’s an important time for us to see what some of the younger players can do. “We’ve lost nine to the international camp and we’ve picked up a couple of injuries but it’s another game and we’ve got to prepare. “Connacht have done really well, they’ve made some good signings, they’ve got a decent squad. “They’ve had a good start and played some decent rugby so we know it’s going to be a decent test for us.” Connacht's only defeat in the GUINNESS PRO12 this season came in Round 4 at Glasgow Warriors. And the Irishmen are unbeaten against Welsh regions this season, having defeated Newport Gwent Dragons and drawn with Cardiff Blues – both in Galway. However, Connacht have beaten Ospreys just one since the 2007/08 season – 22-10 at the Sportsground on 15th February 2013 – while the Irishmen have lost on all nine previous visits they have made to Liberty Stadium. Pat Lam has made nine changes to his starting XV with Bundee Aki set to make his debut in the place of Robbie Henshaw who is away on international duty. However, Kieran Marmion, Rodney Ah You and Darragh Leader have been released and are free to play a part. Elsewhere, Matt Healy and Jack Carty both start and Shane Layden gets his second start of the season. And, while Lam knows Aki will draw the attention of the cameras tomorrow, he insists it will be a team effort that secures a victory in Wales. “We were initially looking at Bundee for our next game with Zebre but it’s great that he’s been keen to get going as soon as possible,” Lam said. “He’s been very open to learning quickly in training and has made a big effort in getting to know his team mates. “There’ll undoubtedly be a good bit of spotlight on him tomorrow night against Ospreys, but as always it is only a team effort that can lead to a positive outcome for us. “We’re going down to play the top team in the league on their home ground. “It is our biggest challenge of the season so far. Ospreys are a well-coached, well-drilled side with strike power all over the field. “We know we will have to raise our standards considerably from last week, particularly in defence. But we’re all focused on the process of picking up as many league points as we can.” At Liberty Stadium, 7.35pm. Live on BBC WALES Referee: John Lacey (IRFU, 39th competition game) Assistant Referees: Ben Whitehouse, Martyn Lewis (both WRU) Citing Commissioner: Ray Wilton (WRU) TMO: Paul Adams (WRU)
