McLaughlin Selects Ulster Side
Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin has named the team and replacements to face Connacht in Friday’s Magners League derby clash at Ravenhill (kick-off 7.30pm).
Only two changes have been made to the Ulster team that gained a bonus point 37-25 victory over Edinburgh at Murrayfield last time out.
In the pack, Chris Henry replaces the injured Stephen Ferris (fractured cheekbone) as blindside flanker.
In the backs, Ian Humphreys, who scored Ulster’s bonus point try against Edinburgh, starts at out-half, with Niall O’Connor dropping to the replacements bench for the province’s last match of the campaign.
Commenting on the inerprovincial derby, Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin said: “We will be looking for a win first and foremost, that is the most important thing for us.
“We want to build on our performance against Edinburgh and achieve back-to-back wins to end the season on a high.
“We have all talked about our disappointment this season, mainly that after the Bath game (in January) we didn’t kick on and achieve what we are capable of.
“But, we did have a smashing performance last time out and want a strong positive win at Ravenhill, on Friday, to end the season for both ourselves and our supporters.
“Connacht are coming here full of confidence and it is Michael Bradley’s last game in charge, so they will also be chasing the win. It will be a really tough game of rugby, and an exciting finish.”
To purchase tickets for Friday’s encounter, click here, call 02890 493 222 (Option 2 )or visit the Ulster Rugby Ticket Office (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; 9am-4pm on match night).
Tickets are available from Ulster Rugby ticket outlets province-wide, and will also be available on Friday night on the gates from 6pm.
ULSTER (v Connacht): Jamie Smith; Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Simon Danielli; Ian Humphreys, Paul Marshall; Tom Court, Rory Best (capt), BJ Botha, Ed O’Donoghue, Dan Tuohy, Chris Henry, Willie Faloon, Robbie Diack.
Replacements: Andi Kyriacou, Bryan Young, Ryan Caldwell, Thomas Anderson, Isaac Boss, Niall O’Connor, Timoci Nagusa.