Ulster Rejig Team For Viadana Friendly
Following Ulster’s 19-7 win over the Newcastle Falcons at Ravenhill last Friday, they will continue their pre-season friendly programme this Wednesday with a home clash against Italian Super 10 side Viadana (kick-off 7.30pm).
With this the second of their three warm-up matches, Ulster have, as expected, a degree of rotation within the squad as the management team get a look at different players and combinations.
Indeed, Darren Cave and Chris Henry are the only players from last Friday’s starting line-up to be included in the team to face Viadana.
The team for Wednesday night’s match will give supporters a chance to have a look at a number of the younger players who have been training with the Ulster squad this summer.
Three of them – Neil McComb, Jonny Shiels and Tommy Seymour – have been named in the starting side and David McGregor, Chris Napier, Ian Porter and Jamie Smith will hope to be introduced off the bench.
Wednesday marks a return to action for Ireland Grand Slam prop Tom Court and he packs down in the front row with Declan Fitzpatrick and hooker Nigel Brady.
Ed O’Donoghue and youngster McComb form the second row partnership, while Thomas Anderson and Matt McCullough join Chris Henry in the back row.
The back-line looks as though it could be one of the youngest Ulster have ever fielded, with an average age of just 21 years of age.
Cillian Willis, the elder statesman of the backs at 24, and Niall O’Connor form the half-back partnership this week with Tommy Seymour and Timoci Nagusa on the wings, Darren Cave and Jonny Shiels in midfield and Mark McCrea at full-back.
Kick off on Wednesday night is at 7.30pm with gates opening from 6pm.
Tickets for the match are available from as little as £10 for adults and £5 for kids if pre-purchased, and can be bought from the Ravenhill Ticket Office, over the Ticketline on 028 9049 3222 (Option 2) or online at www.UlsterRugby.com.
ULSTER (v Viadana) – Mark McCrea; Timoci Nagusa, Darren Cave, Jonny Shiels, Tommy Seymour; Niall O’Connor, Cillian Willis; Tom Court, Nigel Brady, Declan Fitzpatrick, Ed O’Donoghue, Neil McComb, Matt McCullough, Thomas Anderson, Chris Henry.
Replacements: David McGregor, Justin Fitzpatrick, Dan Tuohy, Chris Napier, Ian Porter, Ian Humphreys, Jamie Smith.