Ulster Team Named For Edinburgh Clash

Ulster’s director of rugby Les Kiss has named his matchday squad to take on Edinburgh at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm).

Rob Herring, who signed a two-year contract extension earlier this week, will replace Rory Best as hooker and captain for the important PRO12 clash, as Les Kiss continues to manage his playing resources.

The 25-year-old is joined in the front row by Ricky Lutton, who will make his first start of the campaign, and Kyle McCalk.

Franco van der Merwe and Roger Wilson return to the side at lock and number 8 respectively, while Ireland internationals Dan Tuohy, Chris Henry and Iain Henderson make up the rest of the pack.

Ulster will have an all-international centre pairing as Luke Marshall is given an opportunity in midfield beside Darren Cave. Rory Scholes is due to start in a back-three that also features Andrew Trimble and Peter Nelson.

Ruan Pienaar, who won his 100th Ulster cap last weekend against Leinster, will continue at half-back alongside Paddy Jackson.

Second row Alan O’Connor could make his first appearance of the season after being included on the bench. John Andrew, Andrew Warwick and Wiehahn Herbst will provide front row cover, with Nick Williams named as the other forward replacement. Paul Marshall, Stuart McCloskey and Louis Ludik complete Ulster’s matchday panel.

ULSTER (v Edinburgh): Peter Nelson; Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Luke Marshall, Rory Scholes; Paddy Jackson, Ruan Pienaar; Kyle McCall, Rob Herring (capt), Ricky Lutton, Dan Tuohy, Franco van der Merwe, Iain Henderson, Chris Henry, Roger Wilson.

Replacements: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Wiehahn Herbst, Alan O’Connor, Nick Williams, Paul Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Louis Ludik.