With Williams back in action, Lee Byrne returns to his more familiar position at full-back while Gavin Henson is rested.
Ospreys coach Sean Holley is looking forward to the challenge title-chasing Munster will pose.
“Friday night is another big game and another big occasion we are looking forward to,” he said. “It is first v second in the Magners League, the European Champions at the Liberty Stadium, and it doesn’t get any bigger than that.
“Munster’s pedigree speaks for itself and we are well aware of the threat that they will pose. Given their disappointing results over Christmas they will no doubt be looking to put the record straight and we realise that we will have to be at our best.
“We have a good record against Munster, having never lost a home Magners League fixture against them, and we want to keep that record intact this weekend, putting some daylight between us and them in the league table before attention turns to European matters. It is about building on the momentum we have generated during recent weeks, improving in certain areas to take performance levels to where we want them to be.
“As has been the case throughout the season, we are utilising the full squad, allowing some players who have played a lot of rugby lately the chance to get some much needed rest. In the case of Shane, Huw Bennett and Lyndon Bateman, we are delighted to be able to welcome them back from injury, increasing the selection options available to us.
“We’ve selected a 22 that we believe is capable of delivering the level of performance we require, with plenty of experience, along with a sprinkling of youth. I’m sure that it’s going to be another great Liberty Stadium occasion and we’re looking forward to seeing a good crowd getting behind us as we know they can.”
Teams: Ospreys: L. Byrne; J. Vaughton, S. Parker, A. Bishop, S. Williams; J. Hook, M. Phillips; P. James, R. Hibbard, C. Griffiths, A. W. Jones, J. Thomas, T. Smith, F. Tiatia, S. Tandy. Reps: H. Bennett, R. Bevington, L. Bateman, M. Holah, R. Webb, D. Biggar, K. Phillips.
Munster: D. Hurley; D. Howlett, B. Murphy, L. Mafi, I. Dowling; P. Warwick, T. O’Leary; F. Pucciariello, J. Flannery, J. Hayes; D. O’Callaghan, P. O’Connell (capt), A. Quinlan, D. Leamy, D. Wallace. Reps: D. Fogarty, T. Ryan, M. O’Driscoll, J. O’Sullivan, P. Stringer, C. Doyle, T. Gleeson.
