Ulster Field Unchanged Squad to Face Lions Tomorrow Night.

Ulster line out with the same 15 as last Friday’s clash with Benetton. Warwick’s finger injury which ended his night last Friday hasn’t stopped him from being involved and he’s joined by the 200 capped Rob Herring and young Tom O’Toole in the front row.

In the second row, the expected duo of Sam Carter and Alan O’Connor once again take on the 4 and 5 shirts with Carter once again pulling on the captain’s armband.

In the back row Dan McFarland once again puts his faith in young David McCann at number 8 after a solid performance last week, moving Nick Timoney to 7 and Matty Rea at his usual position, number 6.

The halfback pairing again consists of the deservedly lauded 9, Nathan Doak, and the Ulster faithful Billy Burns at 10. The last couple of games it has seemed that Burns has been carrying a niggle but hopefully this week he’s been able to shake it off and get back to full throttle.

At centre once again Stewart Moore and James Hume line up. Hume has had 2 yellow cards in his three games so far in the URC so discipline will certainly be on the mind. Although as Dan McFarland said of his card against Glasgow, it was an “interesting” decision and unfortunately against Benetton Hume was at the business end of the card due to team errors building up.

In the back line once again we have the exciting trio of Ethan McIlroy at 11, Craig Gilroy at 14 and Will Addison at 15. Addison at times last week looked a little bit unsure of himself and I’m hoping this week he can back himself to make the right decision because we all know he can. In the absence of Stockdale and Baloucoune it’s fantastic to see young McIlroy stake claim to the 11 shirt and Gilroy once again find phenomenal form to challenge the brilliant Baloucoune. While he is back in training and was available selection, it seems McFarland has opted not to pick Baloucoune even for the bench in favour of a bit more rest and hopefully a more fruitful return when the time is right.

Mike Lowry is also set for his 50th appearance for Ulster, replacing Burns at 10. We’re also likely to see a return of Kieran Treadwell at second row as he sit on the bench for Friday’s game.

Overall a strong squad that we know can break down defences and rack up the points as we saw against Benetton last week, earning the bonus point.