Ulster reveal strong team for Stormers clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ulster coaching team has selected their matchday squad to take on the Stormers in their United Rugby Championship semifinal on Saturday.
The Ulster men go into this clash unchanged from the side that defeated Munster in the quarterfinals last week.
The front row sees Andrew Warwick and Tom O’Toole packing down either side of Rob Herring. Lock Iain Henderson will skipper the side and he will pair with Alan O’Connor in the second row.
Nick Timoney, who was named in the 2021-22 URC Dream Team earlier this week, will start at openside flank with Marcus Rea named at blindside and Duane Vermeulen completes the pack at No.8.
John Cooney, who made his 100th appearance for Ulster last weekend, is selected at scrumhalf to partner Billy Burns at flyhalf.
James Hume, who was also selected in URC’s Dream Team is named to partner Stuart McCloskey in midfield. Stewart Moore, Ethan McIlroy and Rob Baloucoune complete the starting back three.
Providing forward reinforcements from the bench are John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Gareth Milasinovich, Kieran Treadwell and Matty Rea. Nathan Doak, Ian Madigan and Ben Moxham will offer backline cover.
Ulster: 15 Stewart Moore, 14 Rob Baloucoune, 13 James Hume, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Ethan McIlroy, 10 Billy Burns, 9 John Cooney, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Marcus Rea, 5 Iain Henderson (captain), 4 Alan O’Connor, 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Andrew Warwick.
Replacements: 16 John Andrew, 17 Eric O’Sullivan, 18 Gareth Milasinovich, 19 Kieran Treadwell, 20 Matty Rea, 21 Nathan Doak, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Ben Moxham.
Date: Saturday, June 11
Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 15.00 (14.00 UK & Ireland time; 13.00 GMT)
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Sam Grove-White (Scotland), Adam Jones (Wales)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
