Sam Lewis: Ospreys are a match for Munster

THE Ospreys will head for Limerick to take on Munster tomorrow evening with Sam Lewis vowing they are ready to match whatever the Irish province throw at them.

Both sides will take the field under pressure in the battle to qualify for the Pro12 play-offs.

The Ospreys are fourth but have a brutal run-in, with four of their last six games on the road, including dates at Leinster and Glasgow, as well as Munster.

Munster are sixth after three defeats in four games.

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Turning up the heat on the pair are the Scarlets, who are fifth but have a relatively straightforward run-in.

For the Ospreys, the scene is set for a relentlessly physical encounter at Thomond Park.

"We know how tough it is going to be," said Lewis, who has been a defensive mainstay for the Ospreys in recent weeks.

"Munster may have hit a few problems on the road but in Limerick they never pose less than a major challenge.

"We are going to have to meet their physical challenge head-on, and we will do. We did it in Ulster a few weeks ago, when every player stepped forward, and if we are to get anything from this game we need to repeat that performance."

Lewis is unlikely to be found wanting himself.

One of the best defensive players in Wales, the 5ft 10, 15st 10lb openside always takes responsibility for holding the Ospreys cover together, never waiting for anyone else to make a tackle.

He has been nominated for the LV= Cup breakthrough award, and he believes he has improved as a player this term.

"I've been trying to develop my attacking game and I think I've been making progress on that front," he said.

"Justin (Tipuric) will be back from the Six Nations soon and it will be up to me to do all I can to push him for the shirt.

"Competition is what every player wants."

MARK ORDERS