Ospreys forwards coach Chris Gibbes believes both himself and the rest of the coaching staff have learnt a great deal about the region’s young players in recent weeks and has backed them to deliver against Zebre.

With the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, Richard Hibbard and Adam Jones all away with Wales the Ospreys have had to rely on some youthful faces for their two LV= Cup ties against Leicester Tigers and Cardiff Blues.

Both fixtures unfortunately ended in defeat for the Welsh side but they return to RaboDirect PRO12 action this weekend with a spring in their step having made a solid start to the season.

And Gibbes believes although the loss of key players is not ideal, the side are well prepared to continue their momentum in the RaboDirect PRO12 with a victory over Zebre.

“From a coaching perspective it is my first time with the younger group and it has been really rewarding,” said Gibbes.

“We have been able to look at some of the new guys coming through and we have been able to put them under the pressures of some big games.

“Both Leicester and the Blues games were quite intense and we will have learnt a hell of a lot about them from that.

“In our planning we knew this would be coming (autumn internationals) and so we have been making preparations for that and it is good to have a lot of young guys sitting underneath who want to step up.

“They are really hungry and want to put the Ospreys jersey on and it has been quite an exciting two weeks.

“We know Zebre will be wanting to come and play. They are an exciting team that want to throw it around so we know we will have a competitive game but we are really excited.”

Zebre proved they are a force to be reckoned with earlier this season when they upset the Blues at the Cardiff Arms Park with a 30-25 victory, while they drew 16-16 with the Scarlets and ran Edinburgh close last time out.

The Italian side have nine players away on international duty and have made a number of changes to their team including a new back three of Dion Berryman, David Odiete and Giulio Toniolatti.

There is also a new half-back pairing as fly-half Paolo Buso returns from a knee injury he sustained in March to play his first minutes of the new season alongside Brendon Leonard.

And there is also a welcome return for flanker Nicola Cattina who is among the replacements for the first time since recovering from an injury sustained in pre-season.

At Liberty Stadium, 2.30pm.
Referee: Leo Colgan (IRFU, 13th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Martyn Lewis, Craig Evans (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)