Jones handed chance to face old team

Jones has recovered from an ankle injury and will line up against his old side as Warriors look to make it two wins out of two in the cup competition.

Warriors, who will be captained by Greg Rawlinson, make three changes to the starting line-up to the side that defeated Bucuresti Oaks in Europe with Chris Pennell returning on the wing in place of Miles Benjamin who is ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Full-back Chris Latham returns after being rested for the trip to Romania and is named vice-captain. Jake Abbott comes into the back row with Tom Wood injured. Rob Wood is named among the replacements.

Head Coach Clive Griffiths is eager for Warriors to perform in Wales and has backed Jones to make a successful return to his former club.

“Matthew is looking forward to going back as he had some good days with Neath and the Ospreys, he will have a point to prove,” he said.

“Apart from Wasps away, this is the biggest test for Matthew. He has come in having played National One and it is a massive step up. People think it is just a small transition but it is a huge step up.

“Now he is getting more confident and getting to know the guys better. Matt is grabbing the chance with his own unique style and he commands the respect of the forwards.

“It is a big game for Matthew and he will need to keep a lid on it, his emotions will be running high. The game is all about emotion and if you let them get the better of you then it falls apart. But he knows what he has to do.”

Warriors: Latham; Gear, Grove, Tuitupou, Pennell; M. Jones, R. Powell; Mullan, Lutui, Taumoepeau, Rawlinson (capt), Gillies, Cox, Abbott, Talei. Reps: Morris, Ruwers, Kitchener, R. Wood, M. Powell, Crichton, Fellows.

Ospreys: Byrne; Walker, Bowe, Henson, Williams; Hook, Webb; D. Jones (capt), Bennett, Millward, Gough, Bateman, Smith, Tandy, Tiatia. Reps: Hibbard, A. Jones, A-W Jones, R. Jones, Nutbrown, Biggar, Bishop.