Back row boost for Ulster
Ulster Head Coach Brian McLaughlin has named his playing 22 for this Friday’s visit of the Scarlets to Ravenhill.
In the pack; Nigel Brady switches places with Andy Kyriacou, from the bench to the starting line-up. Ryan Caldwell replaces an injured Dan Tuohy. Robbie Diack, who was not named on the original squad, starts at No.8. In a late change, Chris Henry is replaced at open side flank by Willie Faloon after Henry injured himself in a training session on Thursday. TJ Anderson will take Faloon’s place on the bench.
In the backs, the only change sees Andrew Trimble in for an injured Simon Danielli. Mark McCrea takes Trimble’s place on the bench. Paddy Wallace will once again captain the side, pairing up with Darren Cave in the centre.
Ulster Lion Stephen Ferris will face his Lion’s Tour teammate, on Friday night, as Stephen Jones returns for Scarlets in his first Magners League game of the season.
The Scarlets meanwhile have been boosted by the return to action of Stephen Jones. The Lions star makes his first start of the new season.
With Mark Jones currently out injured, Australian star David Lions will lead the side from the No.8 position.
Jones’ return sees young playmake Rhys Priestland move to fullback – partnering Sean Lamont and Lee Williams in an exciting back three.
Ulster: 15 Clinton Schifcofske, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Ian Humphreys, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Robbie Diack, 7 Willie Faloon, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Ryan Caldwell, 4 Ed O’Donoghue, 3 Brendon Botha, 2 Nigel Brady, 1 Tom Court
Replacements: 16 Andy Kyriacou, 17 Declan Fitzpatrick, 18 Neil McComb, 19 TJ Anderson, 20 Paul Marshall, 21 Ian Whitten, 22 Mark McCrea
Scarlets: 15 Rhys Priestland, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Gareth Maule, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Lee Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Martin Roberts, 8 David Lyons (captain), 7 Johnathan Edwards, 6 Dafydd Jones, 5 Lou Reed, 4 Vernon Cooper, 3 Rhys Thomas, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Iestyn Thomas.
Replacements: 16 Phil John, 17 Ken Owens, 18 Damian Welch, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 Richie Pugh, 21 Gavin Evans, 22 Rob Higgitt.
Date: Friday 02 October
Venue: Ravenhill
Time: 19.05 (18.05 GMT)
