Paul Marshall could become just the fifth Ulster player to reach the 200-cap milestone, as he is named among the replacements for Friday’s GUINNESS PRO14 match against Benetton Rugby at Kingspan Stadium (kick-off 7.05pm).
Christian Lealiifano will captain the side from midfield where he forms a new centre partnership with Louis Ludik. John Cooney and Peter Nelson are paired together at half-back, while Craig Gilroy, Tommy Bowe and Charles Piutau form an exciting back-three.
Tighthead prop Ross Kane will make his first senior start of the season, with Callum Black and John Andrew joining him in the front row. Kieran Treadwell, who featured in Ireland’s win over Fiji last Saturday, returns to the second row alongside Alan O’Connor.
Aaron Hall and Nick Timoney, two members of the Abbey Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy, are named at openside flanker and number 8 respectively – it will be a senior debut for Ballynahinch clubman Hall. Clive Ross completes the back row.
Fellow Academy forwards Matthew Dalton and Greg Jones are also set for their senior bows, along with South African prop Schalk van der Merwe, as all three are named among the replacements. Rob Herring and Andrew Warwick provide the additional front row back-up. Paul Marshall, Darren Cave and Andrew Trimble will offer plenty of back-line experience from the bench.
A limited number of tickets are still available for Friday’s round 9 game between Ulster and Benetton Rugby. Secure yours now at www.ulsterrugby.com/buytickets.
ULSTER (v Benetton Rugby): Charles Piutau; Tommy Bowe, Louis Ludik, Christian Lealiifano (capt), Craig Gilroy; Peter Nelson, John Cooney; Callum Black, John Andrew, Ross Kane, Kieran Treadwell, Alan O’Connor, Clive Ross, Aaron Hall, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: Rob Herring, Schalk van der Merwe, Andrew Warwick, Matthew Dalton, Greg Jones, Paul Marshall, Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble.
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