Ulster’s Starting 15 to Face Connacht.

1. Eric O’Sullivan

2. Rob Herring

3. Tom O’Toole

4. Alan O’Connor

5. Iain Henderson (Captain)

6. Matty Rea

7. Nick Timoney

8. David McCann

9. Nathan Doak

10. Billy Burns

11. Craig Gilroy

12. Stuart McCloskey

13. James Hume

14. Robert Baloucoune

15. Ethan McIlroy

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So my speculative starting 15 this week was pretty wrong and boy oh boy I have never been happier to be wrong. Henderson, Baloucoune and McCloskey back from injury for a huge game when they’re really needed and what a difference they’ll make.

Firstly, Henderson’s presence needs no explanation, but I will anyway. Henderson has experience and calm leadership like no one else on the team. He’ll come back hungry for competitive rugby after somewhat of a shambolic Lions tour and he’ll potentially be in the best shape he’s been in quite some time after a few weeks rest, and getting a surgery done that was very much needed. He can also run over fellas so that’s good too.

Baloucoune’s return helps to bolster the wing on both sides of the pitch. Baloucoune slots into the right wing whilst Gilroy moves to the left, and McIlroy takes his deft speed and running skills to fullback. These moves are particularly important in the wake of Will Addison’s injury. Baloucoune back and McIlroy to 15 allows Michael Lowry to stay as the replacement for Billy Burns at his preferred position at 10.

Stuart McCloskey has also returned which I see as an incredibly important choice against a physical Connacht side. I felt Hume, while he performed spectacularly as always, wasn’t as effective in defence without the larger McCloskey there to back up the choke tackles. McCloskey also brings a bit of brute force to the back line that is missed without him. Sometimes in the backline light footwork isn’t doing the trick and a bulldozing attempt is needed to make some yards and open things up again. McCloskey comfortably provides this.

Lastly, no Stockdale would suggest that his omission from the Ireland setup is forced by injury and not a selection choice. Not that I’m happy to see Stockdale injured at all, but certainly happy to see it isn’t just that Andy Farrell has had an about turn in opinion.

A strong side good enough to do the job against a Connacht team that lacks their Lions talisman in Bundee Aki. Nothing is a given in any inter-pro but Ulster will come in with great form after 4 wins from 4 and some huge names returning to lift the mood even further.