Log in
Log in

PRO12: Ulster team for Aironi

by

John McMurtry

–

, ,

Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin has made only one change to the starting XV to face Aironi on Saturday at the Stadio Zaffanella (kick off 3pm local).

Tim Barker has replaced Lewis Stevenson in the second row, where he will partner Dan Tuohy. Stevenson drops to the bench as a result so there is no place for Neil McComb who has dropped out of the match day 23.

The pack is otherwise unchanged pack, with Paddy McAllister and Jerry Cronin joining Andi Kyriacou in the front row. Chris Henry will again cptain the side from number 8 alongside Willie Faloon and Pedrie Wannenburg in the back row.

McLaughlin will field the same backline that played against Glasgow last week, with Ian Whitten, who impressed out of position on the wing, retaining his place. He is joined in the back three by Craig Gilroy and Adam D’Arcy, with Darren Cave and Nevin Spence in the centres, and Paul Marshall and in Humphreys occupying the half back slots.

Declan Fitzpatrick has returned to action after suffering concussion during pre-season and has been named on the bench. Luke Marshall has also earned a place among the replacements at . . .

You will need to log in or register to read the rest of this article. If you have not already registered you can click here to register.

In 2022 we added 102,631 new images in 510 galleries with a gallery breakdown of 263 Rugby, 217 Hockey and 30 Athletics. Your registration and subscription will help us to continue.

Thanks.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

4 responses to “PRO12: Ulster team for Aironi”

  1. San Francisco Steve

    Congrats Greek Adonis Andy!

    From what I can hear everyone is in good form. Keep it up lads!

    Reply
  2. the mote

    It’s a sound selection . There are at this time really only one or two places where variation could be warranted Paul Marshall I think gets the nod just by experience and last weeks nifty little try in the first half. But if he had been reduced to the bench after last weeks second half it might be considered warranted.

    Similiarly Whittens run out on the wing wasn’t a disaster and his experience in defence is an added bonus

    It looks like the Ulster Coach wants four second rows match shape in time for the ERC games Muller Stevenson Touhy and Barker .

    The players having played 80 mins last week and with the game being played in the afternoon will I believe see the bench being used this week. I would expect Wannenberg to give way to Diack and Ian H to give way to Jackson . It being my belief that Wannenberg is better going forward but that Diack is sounder in defence. Who will make way for Luke Marshall I think will depend on the how the backs fare on the day

    Winner of this game! Hopefully Ulster but Aironi recruited strongly over the summer so winning may be harder than last year.

    Reply
  3. junty

    Good to see Andi K starting after his (and Beckys’) new arrival this week. I think that it will be a tough match, and that the bench definately needs used after 60 – 65 mins as A Fan has already muted in his post. From the 2 games so far the ‘boiler house’ competition is already hotwith Tuohy, Stevenson, McCombe & Barker already trading places, and as you said ed Lewis must feel hard done by not to start in Aironi, although if Tim shows the same form as last year, his aggressiveness and ball carrying skills around the park should provide good recycled ball for the team to use. Hoping for a good win from the boys in white.

    Reply
  4. A_Fan

    The bench definitely needs to be used more this week, especially if the conditions are as hot as they’re being made out to be, the boys are going to be suffering after 60 or 70 minutes. Not to forget this is the first game at home for Aironi, they’re going to be pumped up and tougher than a lot of us think, I’m pretty sure of an away win, although not so sure about the BP. Although fingers crossed and hopeful I’ll be proved wrong!

    Reply

Corrections, comments or questions?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

IF in Doubt, sit them out

Download the UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport Here

RUGBY
PRINTS AND DOWNLOADS

Latest In Provincial Rugby