A strong Ulster Ravens team has been named for their British & Irish Cup Pool 1 clash with Bristol this Sunday (kick off 3.00pm).
The starting side will see five personnel and two positional changes from last weekend’s comprehensive 49-19 win over Bridgend.
All five newcomers to the team have featured prominently for the senior side so far this season; Mike Allen, Luke Marshall and Michael Heaney in the backs, and Robbie Diack and Adam Macklin in the forwards.
Diack is named in a very strong looking back row alongside Ali Birch, and Roger Wilson, who is continuing his return to action following a hamstring tear. Macklin comes in at tighthead prop to join fellow Belfast Harlequins front rowers Niall Annett and Richard Lutton. Alan O’Connor and Neil McComb will continue their second row partnership, with the latter named as captain.
In the backs, Marshall and Allen will form an all new centre pairing, with Stuart Olding moving from inside centre to the flyhalf berth. Heaney will start at scrumhalf in place of Blane McIlroy. Peter Nelson and Chris Cochrane are again named in the back three, with Ricky Andrew switching from outside centre to wing to cover Adam D’Arcy’s injury.
The bench also has a strong look about it with the experienced Nigel Brady covering hooker. Academy players Kyle McCall, James Simpson and Conor Joyce are the other forward replacements. McIlroy, flyhalf Niall O’Connor and Dungannon outside back Stuart McCloskey will also provide cover.
Ulster Ravens team to play Bristol, British & Irish Cup, Sun 21st October, Memorial Stadium (kick off 3.00pm):
(15-9): Peter Nelson; Ricky Andrew, Michael Allen, Luke Marshall, Chris Cochrane; Stuart Olding, Michael Heaney;
(1-8): Richard Lutton, Niall Annett, Adam Macklin, Alan O’Connor, Neil McComb (capt), Robbie Diack, Ali Birch, Roger Wilson;
Replacements (16-22): Nigel Brady, Kyle McCall, James Simpson, Conor Joyce, Blane McIlroy, Niall O’Connor, Stuart McCloskey.
