Ulster Team to Play Connacht Announced

Ulster’s Head Coach Brian McLaughlin has named his playing 23 to take on Connacht in this Saturday’s Magners League clash in Galway Sportsground.

With 4 changes to the starting XV from their victory over Edinburgh at Ravenhill last Friday, McLaughlin has opted to rotate some of the pack that has been performing well and that has provided the basis for Ulster’s successful start to their Magner’s League campaign. Rory Best returns to captain the side from hooker where he will be joined in the front row by Young and Court. With Johann Muller and Robbie Diack omitted from the match day 23, recent signings Tim Barker and Pedrie Wannenburg play at 4 & 8 respectively. On the bench, Dan Tuohy returns from injury to be part of Ulster’s match day squad for the first time this season.

In the only change to the backline from last week, Paddy Wallace makes his first start at out half as part of Irelands Rugby World Cup Player Management programme with Niall O’Connor moving to the bench.

Ulster’s last visit to Galway reaped a 24 point victory but, after Connacht’s very impressive start to the season, McLaughlin’s men will know that another big performance will be required to take the points away from the Sportsground. With only two points on the League table between the two sides there’s everything to play for. C’mon Ulster!

Ulster:(15-9) Jamie Smith; Paul Emerick; Darren Cave; Ian Whitten; Andrew Trimble; Paddy Wallace; Paul Marshall(1-8) Bryan Young; Rory Best (Captain); Tom Court; Tim Barker; Ryan Caldwell; Stephen Ferris; Chris Henry; Pedrie Wannenburg

Replacements: (16-23)Andi Kyriacou; BJ Botha; Paddy McAllister; Dan Tuohy; Willie Faloon; Ian Porter; Niall O’Connor; David McIlwaine