There are no surprises in the 25 man Ulster squad named today for the Heineken Cup opened against Bath on Friday night.
Forwards: Tom Court, Bryan Young, Brendon Botha, Declan Fitzpatrick, Andy Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Ryan Caldwell, Neil McComb, Ed O’Donoghue, Thomas Anderson, Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack, Willie Faloon. Backs: Isaac Boss, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Mark McCrea , Paddy Wallace, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Andrew Trimble, Timoci Nagusa, Simon Danielli, Clinton Schifcofske.
Simon Danielli returns to the squad after an injury but the impressive Dan Tuohy has failed to recover leaving the popular Caldwell as the most likely partner for O’Donoghue. I say most likely as I would still have concerns over Caldwell’s inclusion. While there is no denying his effort and application, he needs to play this game with his head and his hands rather than his heart if he is to improve his penalty count and handling skills. However he does tend to be more controlled for bigger games so he’s well worth the risk.
With Caldwell’s inclusion this leaves the only major decision in the forwards as to whether to have McComb or Anderson as second row cover. McComb has performed well when he’s had to stand in but has run out of steam in the second half and this would be a major concern should there be an early injury in the second row. Anderson is definitely fitter but has limited experience in this role. He does however offer more options for cover so I think the coaches will go with TJ.
The backs pick themselves at the minute and if Danielli is fully fit I expect Trimble to drop to the bench and McCrea to drop out of the squad. If there are concerns with Danielli’s fitness then it’s Trimble to start and McCrea on the bench. I wouldn’t be overly concerned with any combination here.
My selection for Bath is as follows -
(1 – 
Young, Brady, Botha, Caldwell, O’Donoghue, Ferris, Faloon, Diack. (9 – 15) Boss, Humphreys, Danielli, Wallace, Cave, Nagusa, Schifcofske. (16 – 23) Brady, Court, Fitzpatrick, Anderson, Henry, Marshall, Whitten, Trimble.
The playing 23 will be named on Thursday at noon.
Don’t forget our pre-match get together at The Rosie. Should be plenty of Bath fans turning up as well. Details here.
Tickets are still available for the ERC game from the Ravenhill Ticket Office (9am-5pm, Mon-Thurs and 4pm on Friday,) Ticket Line 02890 493222 Option 2 (10am – 12noon, Mon-Fri) or to purchase on-line clicking here.
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