Pienaar Returns For Ulster’s Rematch With Saracens

Ruan Pienaar has recovered from injury to be named in the Ulster team to face Saracens in Saturday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final at Ravenhill (kick-off 6.30pm).

Ruan Pienaar, the 2007 Rugby World Cup winner, starts at scrum half with Ireland international Paddy Jackson selected at out-half.

Tommy Bowe – one of eleven players in the squad to have made more than 100 appearances for the province – is named on the left wing with fellow Ireland international Andrew Trimble selected on the right.

International centres Luke Marshall and Darren Cave continue their partnership in midfield with Jared Payne, who qualifies to play for Ireland later this year, starting at full-back.

Tom Court starts the game at loosehead prop alongside two-time Six Nations winner Rory Best and New Zealander John Afoa.

Johann Muller captains the Ulstermen from the second row, where he is joined by fit-again Ireland international Dan Tuohy.

Roger Wilson and Chris Henry, two more of Ulster’s international contingent, are named in the back row with Kiwi powerhouse Nick Williams selected at number 8.

There are four Ireland internationals on the bench with Stephen Ferris, Iain Henderson, Craig Gilroy and Paul Marshall joined by Rob Herring, Ricky Lutton, Robbie Diack and Andrew Warwick.

Saturday evening’s showdown is live on Sky Sports 2, Canal +, BBC Radio Ulster and Newstalk, with live updates on BBC 5 Live and RTÉ Radio.

ULSTER (v Saracens): Jared Payne; Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Luke Marshall, Tommy Bowe; Paddy Jackson, Ruan Pienaar; Tom Court, Rory Best, John Afoa, Johann Muller (capt), Dan Tuohy, Roger Wilson, Chris Henry, Nick Williams.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Andrew Warwick, Ricky Lutton, Iain Henderson, Stephen Ferris, Robbie Diack, Paul Marshall, Craig Gilroy.