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Gavin Henson returns for the Ospreys this weekend
Welsh heroes return for Ospreys
25 March 2005, 1:45 pm
By Graham Jenkins
Wales' Six Nations Grand Slam stars return to duty with the Ospreys this weekend hoping to inspire more success for Welsh rugby in the form of the Celtic League title.
Mike Ruddock's heroes Gavin Henson, Shane Williams, Brent Cockbain, Jonathan Thomas and Ryan Jones have all been named to start their clash with Edinburgh at The Gnoll on Sunday.

All played a key part in Wales' victory over Ireland in the RBS Six Nations last weekend that ensured their first Grand Slam since 1978.

Lyn Jones' side, who are currently 13 points clear of second-placed Munster, will clinch the crown if they can see off Frank Hadden's side.

Their Irish rivals face the Dragons on Friday and a defeat for the Irish side at Rodney Parade would also see the title swing towards the Ospreys.

"Although we are aware that we need to win one of our last two games to secure the Celtic League title we will not underestimate Edinburgh as they are a fine team who have themselves made good progress throughout the season," Jones commented ahead of the clash.

"They play an exciting brand of rugby and have had some exceptional results this season, most notably in beating the Dragons at Rodney Parade and Perpignan at Murrayfield.

"They have a lot of internationals in their ranks and it will I am sure be another tough game. However, we know that if we win on Saturday we secure the Celtic League title at one of our home venues in front of our own fans, so we will not be short of motivation. Edinburgh beat us last season at St Helens so there will be no complacency this weekend."

"Our International players have returned full of confidence. They are a great bunch of players and have quickly settled back into life at the Ospreys. It is great to have them back, but it does present a selection headache of the best possible kind. The team has performed whilst they were away and this weeks selection will be one of the more difficult of the season."

Ospreys team:
15. Stefan Terblanche,  14.Richard Mustoe, 13. Sonny Parker, 12. Gavin Henson, 11. Shane  Williams, 10. Matt Jones, 9. Jason Spice,   1. Duncan. Jones, 2. Barry Williams (c), 3. Andy Millward, 4. Brent Cockbain, 5.Jonathan Thomas 6. Ryan. Jones, 7. Steve Tandy, 8.James Bater
Replacements
16. Richard Hibbard, 17. Adam  Jones, 18. Lyndon Bateman, 19. Richie Pugh, 20. Richie Rees, 21. Elvis Seveali'I, 22. Adrian Durston

All Pictures: ©  http://www.inpho.ie/, Huw Evans Agency,  Graham Stuart
Latest Results and Fixtures
DateHome
Away
27/09Ospreys43 - 0Ulster
28/09Leinster0 - 18Munster
03/10Ulster13 - 9Edinburgh
04/10Munster25 - 17Warriors
05/10Connacht19 - 18Leinster
24/10Connacht  v  Edinburgh
24/10Warriors  v  Leinster
25/10Ulster  v  Munster
28/11Scarlets  v  Munster
28/11Edinburgh  v  Ospreys
Magners League Table

Team
Pld
Pts
MunsterMunster522
OspreysOspreys519
ScarletsScarlets513
LeinsterLeinster512
Cardiff BluesBlues511
Glasgow WarriorsWarriors511
Newport Gwent DragonsDragons510
Connacht RugbyConnacht58
EdinburghEdinburgh58
Ulster RugbyUlster57
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