Longwell back in business for Ulster
Ulster were given another big boost with skipper Andy Ward starts his first game for 10 weeks. Coach Alan Solomons also brings back Ryan Constable in a side that show three changes from that nerve-tingling victory over Glasgow last weekend.
But a spot of acupuncture seems to have done the trick for 30-year-old Longwell who injured his shoulder during Ireland’s victory over Argentina last month.
Ulster’s most-capped player, nicknamed ‘The Boat’ while at University, has had constant physiotherapy and came through his first hard contact session yesterday to pronounce that he was ready for action. He comes in for Mark Blair who reverts to the bench.
“It’s great to be back in action again,” said Longwell. “When I first got the injury I though my career was at an end such was the initial pain.
“But the problem calmed down very quickly, and I nearly made the game for Glasgow. But I had to be content with watching it on television. That was extremely frustrating. But now I’m back, and raring to go against the French champions.
“I have had some great tussles with French sides over the years, and I’m sure this will be no different. I don’t think they will be looking forward to coming to Ravenhill.”
Ward, meanwhile, will pack down at the unaccustomed number eight position in place of the unfortunate Tony McWhirter who had a storming first-half against Glasgow.
But the appearance of Ward just after half-time lifted his Ulster team at Hughenden. He had been out since having surgery for an ankle problem, and within 10 minutes scored the vital try that helped Ulster claim a 20-17 victory.
“It was unfortunate for Tony as he had been playing wonderfully well,” said Solomons. “But Wardy adds something to the team, and gives us a little bit more width to our game. He has the ability to lift the team and the players really respond to him.”
Constable comes back in to partner Jonny Bell in midfield in place of Shane Stewart who has subsequently dropped out after he twisted an ankle during training yesterday. Sheldon Coulter is the new face on the bench.
Constable ads a bit of pace to the attack as he showed against Glasgow in setting up Ward’s try following a 70-metre dash.
“Ryan deserves his call-up,” said Solomons. “He was one of the first-choice centres until he got concussion against Caerphilly six weeks ago. He showed on Saturday that he has lost none of his form when he came off the bench,” said Solomons who believes that Biarritz will pose the biggest test Ulster have had in the past couple of seasons.
“They are the French champions, and to reach that goal, they must be a good team. That is a very hard league,” said Solomons.
“They are very strong up front and are also very adept at playing the ball wide. In other words they are very good all-round team.
“But we do not fear them. No team can into a game worrying too much about the opposition.
“I fancy they will be more worried about us, than we will be about them. I know a good bit about them and watched them just defeat Northampton. But it’s a bit different playing in the south of France in September than it is in Belfast in the middle of winter.”
ULSTER: B Cunningham; J Topping; R Constable, J Bell, S Young; D Humphreys, N Doak; J Fitzpatrick, M Sexton, R Kempson, G Longwell, J Davidson, W Brosnihan, N McMillan, A Ward, capt. Replacements: S Best, P Shields, M Blair, T McWhirter, K Campbell, A Larkin, S Coulter.
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