Ospreys have won just two of their last nine clashes with Leinster, whilst overall the Irishmen have the best record for any visiting side to Liberty Stadium, having handed Ospreys a quarter of their 12 losses at the venue in the competition.

The 2009/10 finalists meet in the opening round of RaboDirect PRO12. Ospreys have begun the season at home on four previous occasions and won them all. Ospreys were semi-finalists in 2010/11 despite winning just one of their last six matches: 12-10 at Aironi in round 22. The Welshmen are winless in their last two matches at Liberty Stadium but have never gone three home games in this tournament without victory.

Leinster’s previous form on the opening round of a new season has seen them gain just one victory since 2002: 23-8 at home to Edinburgh in 2007. The reigning European champions lost last season’s final to Munster, but won six of their last seven regular season encounters.

Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU, 33rd competition game)
Assistant Referees: Gwyn Morris, Jon Mason (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Dennis Jones (WRU)
TMO: Neill Ballard (WRU)

Live on Cymru Wales.