Ulster Ravens coach Gary Longwell has made three changes to the starting XV for this Saturday’s trip to play Rotherham Titans in the British & Irish Cup.
Andi Kyriacou has come in to replace Nigel Brady ashookerand captain, with Callum Black and Jerry Cronin retaining the prop positions. James Simpson and Lewis Stevenson form a new second row partnership as they replace Neil McComb and Tim Barker. The back row trio of Ali Birch, Willie Faloon and Mike McComish stays unchanged. The entire back line from the win over Pontypridd last weekend remains intact and includes an all-Dungannon back three of Chris Cochrane, Conor Gaston and Peter Nelson. The bench has a similar look but there are call ups for David O’Mahoney, who will provide cover at lock, and Stuart Olding, who can play outhalf or centre.
The Ravens go into the last game occupying top spot in Pool 5 of the British & Irish Cup, with all 6 pool winners and the best two runners up progressing to the quarter finals. A bonus point win for Longwell’s side would secure a home quarter final. The quarter finals are due to be played on Saturday 21st January 2012.
Ulster Ravens (15-9): Peter Nelson, Conor Gaston, Michael Allen, Chris Farrell, Chris Cochrane, James McKinney, Ian Porter. (1-8): Callum Black, Andi Kyriacou (capt), Jerry Cronin, James Simpson, Louis Stevenson, Ali Birch, Willie Faloon, Mike McComish. (16-23): Niall Annett, Conor Carey, David O’Mahoney, Neil Faloon, Blane McIlroy, Stuart Olding, Ricky Andrew.
I’m surprised that they have broken up the outstanding second row pairing of McComb and Barker that has been the backbone of the Ravens performances so far this season, but it’s a chance to shine for Ballynahinch’s James Simpson who will be ably supported by the abrasive Louis Stevenson who has put in some stirling performances for the seniors this season.
Andi Kyriacou takes his turn as captain with both he a Brady being alternated to keep up match fitness and Willie Faloon is being kept in shape for his imminent return to the seniors adding a touch of class to a useful enough looking back row.
McKinney and Porter continue at half back though I wouldn’t be surprised if McIlroy and Olding get a chance later in the game having impressed in club outings this season. The four Dungannon boys, Chris Cochrane, Chris Farrell, Conor Gaston and Peter Nelson, form the basis of what should be an attacking backline with Quins Michael Allen continuing at outside centre after some strong displays.
It would take an extraordinary set of results for Ulster not to qualify for the quarter finals irrespective of the result in this game but they still need to go out and secure a bonus point win if they are to guarantee finishing ahead of Nottingham in their group, though the East Midlands side have a difficult enough trip to Currie. Both Rotherham and Currie are showing reasonable form in their respective local leagues so who comes out top in Ulster’s group could go right down to the final kicks in both matches!
To understand the convoluted B & I Cup structure this year have a look here.
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