Brian McLaughlin has been forced to make two changes from last week’s starting XV as his side travel to the RDS on Saturday to play Leinster in the Magners League.
Second row Johann Muller and wing Simon Danielli sustained injuries in the Heineken Cup quarter final against Northampton so Tim Barker and Craig Gilroy are promoted from the bench as direct replacements. Muller received a dead leg and Danielli picked up a shoulder injury so McLaughlin chose not to risk them.
Neil McComb and Conor Gaston replace Barker and Gilroy on the bench and are joined there by Darren Cave who returns at the expense of Ian Whitten.
Ulster have won their previous six Magners League outings but have not beaten their Irish rivals in Dublin since 1999. Leinster defeated Leicester to progress to the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup last weekend but are not expected to rest many players for this crucial game.
The Ulstermen currently occupy second position, three points ahead of their fourth-placed Leinster. Defeat for either side would be a major setback as both teams are chasing a top four play-off spot.
Ulster Team v Leinster (Magners League, RDS, Saturday 16th April, kick-off 8.05pm)
(15-9): A D’Arcy; A Trimble, N Spence, P Wallace, C Gilroy; I Humphreys, R Pienaar;
(1-8): T Court, R Best (capt), BJ Botha, T Barker, D Tuohy, R Diack, C Henry, P Wannenburg;
Replacements (16-23): A Kyriacou, P McAllister, B Young, N McComb, W Faloon, P Marshall, D Cave, C Gaston.
Ulster Rugby would advise supporters coming to the game (gates open 5.30pm) to avoid parking in the immediate vicinity of the Ravenhill Grounds and that the following roads are only accessible for residents and closed to everyone else:
1. Onslow Parade
2. Ravenhill Park
3. Ravenhill Park Gardens
There will also be parking restrictions in place in the Castlereagh area (Mount Merrion Avenue). Supporters are encouraged to make use of the Park ‘n’ Ride facilities at Pirrie Park and along Montgomery Road.
Your co-operation is gratefully appreciated.
