ULSTER COACH NEIL Doak has made two changes from the side that lost to Leinster last time out for tomorrow’s visit to Treviso (Saturday, KO 14.00).
With Franco van der Merwe suffering with a chest infection, Alan O’Connor comes in to the second row alongside Dan Tuohy who agreed a three-year contract extension with the province yesterday.
Louis Ludik is restored to the fullback berth at the expense of Peter Nelson. It’s his partner on the bench that is the biggest positive for Ulster, however. Jared Payne will wear the number 22 shirt on his return from a foot injury sustained in Ireland’s win over South Africa, his international debut, in November.
Back on the field, Tommy Bowe has shaken off a dead leg to take up his place on the right wing and the presence of Ruan Pienaar, Paddy Jackson, Craig Gilroy, Stuart Olding and Darren Cave makes for an exciting combination of Ulster attackers in Italy.
Updated 17.15
The province have also been boosted this afternoon by the news that promising centre Stuart McCloskey has committed to senior terms on a two-year contract.
“Ever since he made his debut last season, Stuart has looked completely at home in an Ulster shirt,” team manager Bryn Cunningham says of the abrasive centre.
“He has all the talents and physical attributes required to make it to the very top – his pace, huge strength and skill have resulted in him causing problems for every defence he has been up against. He is only going to get better.”
Ulster (v Treviso)
15. Louis Ludik
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Darren Cave
12. Stuart Olding
11. Craig Gilroy
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Ruan Pienaar:
1. Callum Black
2. Rory Best
3. Wiehahn Herbst
4. Alan O’Connor
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5. Dan Tuohy
6. Robbie Diack
7. Clive Ross
8. Roger Wilson.
Replacements
16. Rob Herring
17. Andrew Warwick
18. Bronson Ross
19. Lewis Stevenson
20. Sean Reidy
21. Paul Marshall
22. Jared Payne
23. Peter Nelson.
Originally published 12.30
Keith Earls and James Cronin on the bench for Munster trip to ZebreLeinster creeping closer to full strength as fans get another chance to see BOD’s potential successor