Ulster make no change for Cup
Coach Mark McCall had any concerns allayed for the crucial clash when Kieran Campbell (hand), Paul Steinmetz (back) and Neil McMillan (leg) all came through tests on injuries following last week’s heroic Celtic League win over Munster.
Once again, McCall has named Kevin Maggs in the centre alongside Andrew Trimble with Steinmetz on the left wing. However, the players are likely to switch as they did against Munster last Friday.
“The numbers on the backs do not necessarily reflect where the players will play,” said McCall with a wry smile as he finally named his preferred starting line-up for only the second time in succession.
“We knew what backline we wanted to pick during the November internationals. What we were hoping was to have the best combinations in defence and attack, and I believe we now have these.”
McCall was obviously pleased with the run-out in Cork with the victory giving the side a massive boost.
“Although some of our players got game time in November in the internationals, over half of our team had no games at all.
“But despite a very punishing match last week against Munster, thankfully everyone is back unscathed and we are able to pick from a full deck again. We got what we wanted and that was a confidence boost against a side that last inflicted defeat on Ulster at Ravenhill in Europe.
That game was played back in
January 2001 and Ulster went under 21-13 to the London visitors, who were hammered by Wasps in the Powergen Cup last week.
“Don’t be fooled by that result. Saracens had none of their 22 playing in that game. They preferred to give the players a rest. It proves how important Europe is to them.”
: B Cunningham; T Bowe, K Maggs, A Trimble, P Steinmetz; D Humphreys, K Campbell; B Young, R Best, S Best, J Harrison, M McCullough, S Best, R Wilson, N McMillan.
: N Brady, R Moore, R Caldwell, S Ferris, I Boss, A Larkin, J Topping.
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