Topping recalled as Ulster look to stop rot

JAMES Topping will make his 111th appearance for Ulster when he lines out against the Glasgow Warriors at Ravenhill on Saturday.

The 30-year-old former Ireland international has been recalled by coach Mark McCall and is one of two changes from the disappointing Celtic League defeat by Connacht last weekend. Topping comes in on the left wing for the injured Paul Steinmetz.

Steinmetz underwent a scan on his injured knee on Monday, and failed to come through a fitness test yesterday.

Bryan Young is the only change in the pack where he comes in at loose-head for the experienced Justin Fitzpatrick who reverts to the bench alongside Jonny Bell, who has yet to make a competitive start this season.

With Matt McCullough still suffering with a back injury, Rowan Frost continues at lock forward beside Justin Harrison.

Ulster will be looking to break a three game losing sequence. Not since their European Cup winning exploits of 1999 have they lost four games in succession.

“In the Celtic League it’s all about generating a number of wins in-a-row,” said McCall. “There are 10 games remaining, and a lot can happen in that time.

“We have two home games in the Celtic League starting with Glasgow, and then the Scarlets later this month. That will hopeful give us a chance to generate a winning sequence.”

Meanwhile, Ulster fly-half David Humphreys needs only seven points to become the highest scorer in Celtic League history. Present top marksman Gavin Henson is serving a hefty ban. Humphreys is on 497 points.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; T Bowe, K Maggs, A Trimble, J Topping; D Humphreys, K Campbell; J Fitzpatrick, R Best, S Best, capt, J Harrison, R Frost, N Best, N McMillan, R Wilson.

Replacements: N Brady, J Fitzpatrick, R Caldwell, S Ferris, I Boss, A Larkin, J Bell.