Steve Tandy’s men have made up ground on the leading pack after a slow start to the season. Last week’s 21-17 win over Munster at Irish Independent Park put them within three points of Anthony Foley’s men, who occupy sixth spot. The Irish province are also in action on Friday night, as they face a tough trip to Glasgow Warriors.
Ospreys claimed the impressive win despite being without a host of Wales internationals. But national head coach Warren Gatland has released Dan Lydiate, James King, Paul James and Aaron Jarvis for this weekend’s crunch Guinness PRO12 clash.
Edinburgh are out to avenge last week’s Welsh defeat to the Scarlets. Alan Solomons’ men looked to have sealed victory at Parc Y Scarlets, but a last-gasp penalty from Aled Thomas snatched a 22-21 triumph.
Matches against high-flying Connacht, Leinster and the Scarlets are just around the corner in a make-or-break period of the season. And Wales under-20 star Owen Watkin who scored at Munster last week, is hoping to kick-on.
He said: “That win against Munster is very important as we want to get into that top four, it’s a great achievement to win out there. Everyone dug in and we came away with the win, which we’re very pleased with. The boys were confident, we know what we’re capable of and we came through to win.
“We have to back-it-up this weekend, it’s a massive game. We’re just looking to win every game now. It will take a big effort Friday, but we just want to push through and get the win. Edinburgh are a big, physical side so we have to try and be dominant up-front and go from there. These next few games are massive, but that’s what it’s all about, rising to the challenge and winning.”