Versatile Nelson Fills Out-Half Berth For Ulster
Andrew Trimble will win his 189th cap for Ulster when he lines out for the province against the Ospreys at Kingspan Stadium on Friday (kick-off 7.35pm), in the opening game of this season’s GUINNESS PRO12.
Ulster’s all-time record try scorer will start on the right wing and is joined in the back-three by Craig Gilroy, who scored 11 tries in the PRO12 last season, and Louis Ludik who is winning his 26th cap.
The game will also see Peter Nelson start his first game for Ulster at out-half. The versatile 22-year-old, who has played at number 10 for Dungannon RFC and Ulster Ravens, returns to the position following injuries to Ian Humphreys (hamstring strain) and Sam Windsor (Achilles).
Paul Marshall is selected at scrum half, with centres Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall completing the back-line.
Rob Herring captains the side and starts at hooker. He is joined in the front row by Andrew Warwick, who is picked at loosehead prop, and tighthead Wiehahn Herbst.
Dan Tuohy and Franco van der Merwe are paired together in the second row, with Roger Wilson named at blindside flanker, Willie Faloon returning to competitive action with Ulster at openside and Nick Williams back from suspension to take up his position at number 8.
Head coach Neil Doak has selected six forwards and two backs on the replacements bench with John Andrew, Ricky Lutton, Bronson Ross, Peter Browne, Clive Ross and Sean Reidy named alongside David Shanahan and Sam Arnold.
Friday’s round 1 match is live on BBC 2 Northern Ireland and BBC 2 Wales. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here. Fans will also be able to buy on the gate on Friday evening, although for the best available tickets, supporters are encouraged to purchase in advance.
ULSTER (v Ospreys): Louis Ludik; Andrew Trimble, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Craig Gilroy; Peter Nelson, Paul Marshall; Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring (capt), Wiehahn Herbst, Dan Tuohy, Franco van der Merwe, Roger Wilson, Willie Faloon, Nick Williams.
Replacements: John Andrew, Ricky Lutton, Bronson Ross, Peter Browne, Clive Ross, Sean Reidy, David Shanahan, Sam Arnold.