Leinster’s Rhys Ruddock admits he’s chomping at the bit to make his first RaboDirect PRO12 start of the season this Sunday against Ospreys.

The 21-year-old back-rower has been missing for the majority of the campaign with a hip injury, making a comeback as a replacement in last week’s 59-22 victory over Cardiff Blues.

But, with a repeat of last year’s RaboDirect PRO12 final set to take place at the Liberty Stadium, Ruddock expects a tough task.

“Ospreys are a really good side, they have been for last couple of years and it’s no different this year, they will be high on confidence even though they’re losing a few internationals,” said Ruddock.

“There are a number of guys leaving for internationals on our side too so it means a few can step up and carry on the good work they have started.

“It was really good [to return against Cardiff], I’m delighted to be back and put in such a good team performance, we did brilliant and it was one of our best performances of the season.

“The pace of the RaboDirect PRO12 is always very fast, but I felt relatively fit and happy enough.

“I played for 30 minutes, but you can do all the running you want but when you’re out there making contact it’s a different story.

“I was out for four-and-a-half months, but it doesn’t feel that long because I haven’t missed too many games.”

With many of the Leinster contingent away with Ireland, Andrew Goodman will make his debut for the province at inside centre.

David Kearney is one of only two players who remain in the backline and he moves to full-back with Andrew Conway and Fionn Carr named on the wings.

Of the last eight Irish provinces to have visited the Ospreys only Ulster have won while the Leinstermen have lost two of their last three away games in the RaboDirect PRO12.

Defending champions Ospreys have got their defence back on track with four straight victories but with nine international players away with Wales there are a number of changes.

Amongst those in with a chance of impressing are Matthew Dwyer who will make his first Ospreys start while Lloyd Peers makes his inaugural RaboDirect PRO12 start.

Arthur Ellis, Marc Thomas and Daniel Suter will all also make their Ospreys debuts if they come off the bench and backs coach Gruff Rees believes they all have what it takes.

"November is going to be a big month for us, as is always the case. With international players away, it's always a challenge, and a great opportunity for some of our younger players to stand up and show what they are capable of,” he said.

"As someone who has done a lot of work with the younger players in my previous time with the Ospreys, I'm looking forward to the games this month.

“With two LV= Cup games to follow then two more RaboDirect PRO12 matches, it's a crucial time of the season and it's important that the work we've done in preparing for this period bears fruit.”

At Liberty Stadium, 4pm.
Referee: John Lacey (IRFU, 24th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Neil Nennessy, Wayne Davies (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Dennis Jones (WRU)
TMO: Nigel Whitehouse (WRU)
Live on S4C/RTE