Robbie Henshaw keeps his place in the Connacht team ahead of Saturday's RaboDirect PRO 12 encounter against the Ospreys.

ATHLONE's Robbie Henshaw has maintained his place in the Connacht first-team for their away game against Welsh kingpins Ospreys in the latest round of RaboDirect PRO 12 on Saturday (Liberty Stadium, Swansea, 2.30pm).

Despite coach Eric Elwood making seven changes (including two positional switches) from the team that started last weekend's Heineken Cup loss to Harlequins, Henshaw's continued selection is further evidence that coach Eric Elwood is satisfied with the Athlone native's contribution this season.

Elwood, who leaves the post of Connacht coach at the end of the season, has already publicly tipped Henshaw to attain senior international honours with Ireland in the near future. Henshaw replaces the injured Eoin Griffin in the centre, for the meeting against the current RaboDirect PRO 12 champions.

The Welshmen have won their last three matches in the competition and Elwood is aware of the challenge Steve Tandy's side pose, saying: "Over the years, we've had huge physical encounters with Ospreys, and we'll be expecting the same this weekend. It's another big challenge but we take great encouragement from our performances of the last few weeks. Last Saturday, we went toe-to-toe with the English champions and competed with them for 80 minutes. We played some great rugby and we'll be looking to do the same against the Ospreys. We know it's going to be a hugely physical battle, but we're very much looking forward to the test. The goal for us is to keep improving and continue on our upward curve."