Line-up Review for Ulster’s Clash with Benetton.

1. Andrew Warwick

2. Rob Herring

3. Tom O’Toole

4. Alan O’Connor

5. Sam Carter (C)

6. Matty Rea

7. Nick Timoney

8. David McCann

9. Nathan Doak

10. Billy Burns

11. Ethan McIlroy

12. Stewart Moore

13. James Hume

14. Craig Gilroy

15. Will Addison

Surprisingly, only a few differences from my expected line-up for Friday. A few notable changes include David McCann and Matty Rea in the back row instead of my expected Sean Reidy and Greg Jones. Reidy finds himself on the bench as an impact player ready to come on at half time of 60 minutes whilst Jones isn’t in the match day 23. Tom O’Toole replaced my expected Marty Moore in the front row with Moore also not in the 23. 9-15 was as expected due to injury; I had anticipated Stockdale would pull on the 11 shirt if fit but it seems he isn’t quite match ready yet so as expected McIlroy takes his spot. After a strong performance last week Ulster fans need not have any worries about McIlroy.

I had also anticipated Alan O’Connor to take the Captain’s arm band but it had changed hands again to the Aussie Sam Carter. I know Henderson’s return is imminent which will bring stability to the captaincy but I would like Dan McFarland to bring a bit more consistency to the captaincy with a reliable leader each week. I think Alan O’Connor is deserved of this title while Henderson isn’t available but would have no problem with Carter consistently taking on the leadership duties.

I feel this line-up should be strong enough to beat the Benetton side who are riding the wave of a few wins. No doubt some attacking creativity will have been worked on during the week which was, in my opinion, the spot Ulster fell short last week.